Christopher Garrison
About Christopher Garrison
Christopher Garrison is a Biological Science Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey, focusing on amphibian species in California. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has extensive research experience in ecological investigations.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Christopher Garrison has been employed as a Biological Science Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2021. He works at Point Reyes National Seashore in California, where he engages in various ecological studies. His role involves conducting investigations related to amphibian species and their habitats, contributing to the understanding of ecological dynamics in the region.
Education and Expertise
Christopher Garrison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, completing his studies from 2014 to 2018. His educational background provides him with a solid foundation in ecological principles and research methodologies, which he applies in his current role and previous positions.
Background in Research and Fieldwork
Prior to his current position, Garrison held several research and fieldwork roles. He served as an Environmental DNA Research Assistant at the University of California, Santa Cruz for two months in 2018. Additionally, he worked as a Research Assistant in the Sinervo Lab from 2017 to 2018 and as a Pika Field Technician for four months in 2017. His experience includes working as a Field Biologist at Olofson Environmental, Inc. in 2020 and as a Biological Science Technician in Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks in 2019.
Focus on Amphibian Species
Garrison specializes in the study of various amphibian species, including foothill yellow-legged frogs, Dixie Valley toads, Railroad Valley toads, and Hot Creek toads. His research focuses on their ecological roles and disease dynamics within aquatic systems in California and Nevada. He employs advanced techniques such as Visual Encounter Surveys (VES), Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tagging, BD swabbing, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis in his investigations.