Diana A. Muñoz

A photograph of a black-haired woman wearing a blue shirt looking at the camera. On her leather glove to her right stands a Turkey Vulture (black bird with bald pink head and white beak) who is also looking at the camera.

PhD Candidate | Graduate Group in Ecology | Department of Animal Science

she/her/hers

I'm a PhD Candidate in the Graduate Group in Ecology. Prior to graduate school, I worked in Federal agencies primarily with threatened or endangered species, including California Condors, Giant Gartersnakes, and Greater Sage-Grouse.

My research focuses on uncovering environmental factors at different scales that directly or indirectly influence demographic rates. My current projects include:

Using CRISPR-based SHERLOCK to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: This fungal pathogen has devastated amphibian populations worldwide. We are developing an assay that will rapidly detect zoospores in field settings. 

Characterizing the California Condor microbiome at multiple life stages: Microbes interact with their hosts in intricate ways and both are influenced by the external environment. We are identifying external factors that influence the condor microbiome during the juvenile and adult life stage.

Drivers of Black-crowned Night-Heron nest survival on Alcatraz Island: In collaboration with the US Geological Survey and National Park Service, I am identifying environmental factors that affect black-crowned night-heron nest survival on Alcatraz Island using a 30-year dataset.

Education and Degree(s)
  • BS, Avian Sciences, University of California - Davis
Research Interests & Expertise
  • Conservation, ecotoxicology, host-microbe interactions, ornithology, vultures
Publications
  • Coates, P.S., O’Neil, S.T., Muñoz, D.A., Dwight, I.A. and J.C. Tull. 2021. Sage-Grouse Population Dynamics are Adversely Affected by Overabundant Feral Horses. Journal of Wildlife Management 85(6): 1132 – 1149.
  • Muñoz, D.A., Coates, P.S. and M.A. Ricca. 2021. Free-roaming horses disrupt greater sage-grouse lekking activity in the Great Basin. Journal of Arid Environments 184: 104304.
  • Fulton, A.M. and D.A. Muñoz. 2018. Thamnophis gigas (Giant Gartersnake). Diet. Herpetological Review 49(4): 764-765.