About

Professor George Roderick is the William Muriece Hoskins Chair and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management (ESPM) at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on global change, particularly the impact of global biological homogenization caused by biological invasions. His work addresses both basic and applied questions, utilizing the geography of the Pacific Basin, Pacific Islands, Pacific Rim, and California to study the origins of endemic and non-indigenous organisms, processes of colonization and invasion, population structure, species interactions, and responses to environmental change. His approaches include field manipulations, natural experiments, data science, GIS, niche modeling, eDNA, population genomics, and collections-based research. Roderick's research explores colonizations and ecological community assembly over geological time, recent biological invasions, their causes, impacts, and solutions, including disease vectors and biological control. He has contributed to numerous collaborative projects and his research has been published in prominent scientific journals. Additionally, he has edited volumes on evolution and biological control, and DNA barcoding of life. Roderick holds multiple affiliations, including with the Berkeley Institute for Data Science, Berkeley Center for Oceans Futures, and the Energy and Resources Group, and serves as Faculty Director for UC’s Gump South Pacific Research Station in French Polynesia. His career includes academic positions at UC Berkeley since 1999, as well as appointments at Oxford, the University of Hawaii, the University of Maryland, and INRAE in France. He has served in various capacities for government agencies and international organizations, including chairing the first APEC workshop on Alien Invasive Species. His teaching includes courses on ecology, island biology, and sustainability, and he has received numerous honors and awards for his research and teaching excellence.

Research topics

• Biology
• Ecology
• Zoology
• Evolutionary biology
• Computer science

Selected publications

• Comparison of environmental DNA and bulk DNA metabarcoding for assessing terrestrial arthropod diversity across three habitat types on Guam

  bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) · 2026-02-04 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract DNA based methods offer a rapid and cost-effective way for detecting species occurrence and monitoring biodiversity; among them bulk DNA metabarcoding is well-established, and recently developed environmental DNA (eDNA)-based methods offer a non-destructive alternative. With a goal to develop suitable methods for assessing insect biodiversity in ecosystems for which DNA reference libraries are not well developed and incomplete, such as remote islands, we compared established bulk DNA metabarcoding methods with eDNA across three replicated terrestrial ecosystem types (limestone forest, degraded forest, and grassland) in Guam. Using two mitochondrial COI primer pairs, we performed bulk DNA metabarcoding of standard entomological collection methods (malaise traps, pan traps, vegetation beating), and compared the assessment of biodiversity with that from different eDNA sources (flowers, spider webs, leaves, tree trunks). In our samples, eDNA and bulk DNA metabarcoding both detected a large proportion of overall taxa (OTUs, 86.6% and 60.3%, respectively). Although DNA metabarcoding detected significantly more taxa, eDNA proved to be a reasonable non-destructive alternative. As expected, because of limitations in existing reference databases for remote habitats, species-level identification was achieved for only a few OTUs. Overall, the sampling approach was the dominant driver of arthropod diversity, explaining ∼17% of the observed variation, while habitat type accounted for ∼4%. Thus, each sampling approach captured some unique diversity signals and contributed to the complementary effect of maximizing detection. For rapid insect biodiversity surveys of terrestrial arthropods, we recommend an integrated metabarcoding approach, and in sensitive habitats where insect capture is undesirable, eDNA offers a powerful alternative to monitor diversity and community change.

  PublisherDOI

• 2011 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  The Fall 2011 UC Berkeley course, “The Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands”, is a University of California Berkeley course held at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station in French Polynesia. Professors George Roderick, Vincent Resh, Jere Lipps, and Patrick Kirch guide students through the entire scientific process, from initial field observations to the publication of final research papers. The sources feature independent research on diverse ecological topics, including the social structures of Tahitian rays, anti-predator behaviors in sea urchins, and the visual cues used by angelfish to assess threat. Other student projects examine the impacts of invasive species like birds and ants, mutualistic relationships such as those between sea star shrimp and cushion stars, and the legacies of prehistoric Ma'ohi land use on modern forest composition. Additionally, students conduct studies on marine environmental health, including comparative assessments of coral disease and the distribution of suspension feeders

  PublisherDOI

• 2001 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The Fall 2001 UC Berkeley course, "Biology and Geomorphology of Tropica Islands" (Integrative Biology 158 / Environmental Science, Policy and Management 107), was a collaborative program run by the Departments of Integrative Biology and Environmental Science, Policy and Management. Science, Policy, and Management. Led by lead instructor Brent D. Mishler and field faculty members Tom Carlson, Rosie Gillespie, Carole Hickman, and George Roderick, the class focused on an all-inclusive research experience and full immersion in the life of science. The core of the course was an immersive nine-week field research component on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, based at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Biology. Research Station. During their time on the island, 21 undergraduate students conceived and conducted independent research projects with the close mentorship of UC faculty and graduate student instructors Elin Claridge, Anya Hinkle, and Crissy Huffard. The class culminated in a professional-style symposium and a comprehensive course report compiling 21 individual scientific papers detailing their findings across Moorea's marine and terrestrial environments.

  PublisherDOI

• 2007 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The sources consist of final research papers from the 2007 University of California, Berkeley course titled Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands. The class took place on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, with students based at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station. Throughout the course, participants engaged in original scientific inquiry by designing and executing independent research projects across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. These studies addressed a wide array of topics, including the behavior of marine mollusks and hermit crabs, the distribution of invasive plant species like falcata trees and Lantana, the thermoregulatory needs of local lizards, and the ecological succession of invertebrates in decomposing Tahitian chestnut fruit. Methodologically, students utilized field surveys involving transects and quadrats, laboratory manipulations, and technical tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical analysis software to evaluate their data. The class served as a platform for students to explore complex biological interactions and environmental issues, such as the impact of agricultural runoff on stream diatoms and the role of various organisms in the tropical carbon cycle

  PublisherDOI

• 2002 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The 2002 Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands is a University of California, Berkeley course offered as Integrative Biology 158 and Environmental Science, Policy, and Management 107. The program aims to transform undergraduate students into professional scientists through the design and implementation of original research projects conducted on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. The curriculum begins with three and a half weeks of preparatory study in Berkeley focused on science background and logistical planning. This is followed by a nine-week stay at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Biological Research Station, where students spend an initial week exploring diverse habitats like reefs, streams, and mountains before conducting eight weeks of independent research. The course concludes with students giving oral presentations at an annual symposium and producing written scientific papers for publication in a distributed volume. Since its inception in 1991, the program has been highly successful, with many student projects eventually being published in standard scientific journals. Participants often describe the experience as life-changing because it covers a complete research cycle from planning to reporting results.

  PublisherDOI

• 2005 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The 2005 Moorea Class, officially titled Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands, is a semester-long undergraduate course offered by the University of California, Berkeley. The program begins with three weeks of intensive study and preparation on the Berkeley campus before students travel to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. Based at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station, students transition from lecture halls to professional scientific investigation by designing and executing original research projects in diverse habitats such as coral reefs and tropical forests. During the final weeks of the semester, students return to Berkeley to finalize their work, deliver presentations at a public research symposium, and publish their findings in a series of research books.

  PublisherDOI

• 2012 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-16

  otherOpen access

  The Mo’orea field course, also known as ESPM 107 or IB 158LF, was a nine-week research expedition conducted in late 2012 at the University of California Gump South Pacific Research Station in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. The curriculum was taught by professors Brent Mishler, Jonathon Stillman, George Roderick, Vincent Resh, Stephanie Carlson, Tom Bruns, and Matteo Garbelotto, with support from graduate student instructors Rosemary Romero, Matthew Luskin, and Darcy Kato-Ernst. Students were tasked with conducting independent research projects on various aspects of tropical ecology, biology, and geomorphology, utilizing Mo’orea as a biological and ecological sandbox. These projects covered a wide array of topics, including the effects of climate change on marine development, symbiotic interactions between crabs and anemones, spider cannibalism, coral disease, and the distribution of zooplankton, fungi, and bryophytes. The course combined intensive field surveys and laboratory experiments with quantitative analysis using JMP software. In addition to academic rigor, the program emphasized cultural enrichment and collaboration among the student group.

  PublisherDOI

• 2010 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  The 2010 Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands is a field-based research class from the University of California, Berkeley, conducted on the island of Mo'orea, French Polynesia. The course provides students with the opportunity to design and execute original scientific studies across a wide range of tropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, mountain ridges, and freshwater streams. Instruction is provided by professors from departments such as Integrative Biology and Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, with additional support from graduate student instructors. Students utilize the facilities at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station and the Atitia Center to process samples and perform data analysis. Research topics typically address environmental issues like the impact of invasive species, human development, and biodiversity conservation. The culmination of the class involves producing formal research papers that contribute to the documented natural history and ecological understanding of the island

  PublisherDOI

• 2004 ESPM C107, IB 158LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The Moorea Class of 2004 was a semester-long undergraduate course from the University of California, Berkeley, officially known as Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands. The class consisted of twenty students who traveled to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia to conduct original research projects. Based at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Biological Research Station, the students spent nine weeks in the field after three weeks of preparation in Berkeley. Research topics were diverse, encompassing terrestrial and marine biology, botany, and geomorphology. The program was designed as a research expedition, involving planning, field reconnaissance, and the design and implementation of individual scientific studies. Upon returning to Berkeley, the students presented their results at a public research symposium and produced written papers. These papers were compiled and published in Volume 13 of the Moorea Student Papers series. The course was led by a team of faculty members and Graduate Student Instructors with expertise in various scientific disciplines.

  PublisherDOI

• 2013 ESPM C107, IB 15LF Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands Class

  iPlaces-Kotahi · 2026-03-17

  otherOpen access

  The Moorea 2013 class is a University of California, Berkeley field course entitled Biology and Geomorphology of Tropical Islands. Based at the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, the course involves students conducting independent research projects across a variety of marine and terrestrial habitats. Student research spans diverse subjects such as the effects of ocean acidification on marine shrimp and nudibranchs, the feeding preferences of stream invertebrates, honey bee visitation habits, and the antimicrobial properties of plants used in traditional Tahitian medicine. Additional projects investigate parasite-host relationships in geckos and fiddler crabs, ecological succession in epiphytic communities and burned forests, and the role of cryptic coloration in giant clams and skinks. Throughout the term, students are trained in experimental design, rigorous field data collection, and statistical analysis using R software. These research efforts are supported by a team of professors and graduate student instructors who mentor the students from initial fieldwork through the completion of their final scientific papers.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• RCN: Invasion Biology of Insects--Collections and Approaches

  NSF · $500k · 2004–2010

Frequent coauthors

• John B. Heppner

  University of Florida

  2872 shared

• John L. Capinera

  2154 shared

• George Hangay

  1062 shared

• Lawrence A. Lacey

  718 shared

• John R. Wallace

  Millersville University

  556 shared

• Maria Navajas

  Agropolis International

  368 shared

• Murray S. Blum

  Temple College

  360 shared

• Norman C. Leppla

  University of Florida

  360 shared

Education

• PhD, Zoology

  University of California Berkeley

  1987

• AB, Biology

  Dartmouth College

  1981

Awards & honors

• Plumer Visiting Research Fellow, St. Anne's College, Univers…
• Visiting Professor, Department of Biology, University of Oxf…
• Top Scholar, ScholarGPS.com, Invasion Biology, Molecular Eco…
• Distinguished Professor of ESPM, UC Berkeley, 2019 -
• Scientific Teaching Fellow, National Institute on Scientific…