Upper Midwest Water Science Center and Michigan Bacteriological Research Lab (MI-BaRL) Supervisory Research Hydrologist, Carrie Givens, shows Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water.
Carrie E Givens, PhD
Carrie Givens is the Environmental Microbiology Team Lead at the United States Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center. She is a Supervisory Research Microbiologist with the Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MIBARL; Lansing, MI).
Carrie Givens is the Environmental Microbiology Team Lead at the United States Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center. She leads and collaborates on research exploring bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance in the environment, microbial communities associated with harmful algal blooms, and the influence of the environment and chemical contaminants on the host microbiome. She has a B.S. in Biology from the University of South Carolina Honors College and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the University of Georgia.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 19
Wings of Change: The Environment's Influence on Bird Flu
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses naturally occur in wild birds and are rarely fatal. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are highly contagious, spread rapidly, are often fatal to poultry, and have been responsible for worldwide outbreaks. Together, LPAI and HPAI are generally referred to as either avian influenza viruses (AIVs) or "the bird flu."
Statewide Assessment of Iowa Streams Links Landscape Characteristics to Antibiotic Resistance Signatures
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted the first statewide assessment of antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in streams (water column and bed sediment samples) across Iowa. Results indicated that ARB and ARGs were prevalent, and a combination of watershed characteristics (such as land use, livestock population, and human population)...
Michigan Bacteriological Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program uses a wide array of traditional and modern molecular approaches to evaluate microbial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance pathways in the environment. The scientists use these approaches to advance the understanding of how environmental...
Environmental detection of avian influenza virus
A collaborative project with Federal and university partners working toward the goal of understanding avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment: early detection, enhancing biosurveillance, and mitigation to reduce spread into domestic poultry and potential occupational or recreational exposure to humans.
A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus).
Collaborative Science Provides Understanding of Contaminants in Bottled Water-an Increasingly Common Alternate Drinking Water Source
U.S. Geological Survey researchers and public health experts collaborated to determine what contaminants occur in bottled water, which is an increasingly common alternate drinking water source, to broaden their understanding of human exposure to contaminants in drinking water supply chains. Bottled water, like public-supply and private-well tap water supply chains, contained multiple organic...
Costs and Benefits of Nitrapyrin
In December 2020, our research group (as part of the Food Integrated Science Team) published a review of nitrapyrin costs and benefits in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology (SWIGG) study
The fractured bedrock aquifers of southwest Wisconsin are often overlain by shallow soils, so private wells are potentially vulnerable to contamination by nitrate and pathogens from the land surface. The goal of this study is to evaluate the extent and causes of private well water contamination in three southwest Wisconsin counties.
Bacterial Pathogens
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) studies the source, occurrence, and distribution of the bacterial pathogens Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus and the relation of occurrence of pathogens with fecal indicator bacteria, land-use, season, hydrology, geology, weather...
Enhance Great Lakes Beach Recreational Water Quality Decision Making
Important questions about beach closures and management remain unanswered in the Great Lakes where over 500 beaches are routinely used along the nearly 11,000 miles of coastline. The economies of coastal areas are dependent on public confidence in the quality of water at the shoreline, and beach managers need reliable science-based information to make beach closure and beach management decisions...
Antibiotic Resistance
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes. We have concentrated our studies on antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human-health concern, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA), and Klebsiella and E. coli resistant to third...
Microbial Source Tracking
It is often important to understand the source of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals that impair the normal use of water. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes, specific bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli O157:H7 which is primarily associated with cattle), and host-associated bacterial genes (such as human or animal specific Bacteroides genes), can be used to evaluate the...
Secretary Haaland views a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water
Upper Midwest Water Science Center and Michigan Bacteriological Research Lab (MI-BaRL) Supervisory Research Hydrologist, Carrie Givens, shows Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water.
USGS Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory
Photo of the USGS UMID Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Photo of the USGS UMID Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center
MI-BaRL research team displaying laboratory equipment used in developing avian influenza research methods
linkThe Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) research team (L to R) Laura Hubbard, Erin Stelzer, Alexei Rose, Molly Richard and Anlin Larson displaying essential tools used in developing laboratory methods to detect infectious avian influenza virus (AIV) in freshwater. The team will deploy these methods for environmental surveillance.
MI-BaRL research team displaying laboratory equipment used in developing avian influenza research methods
linkThe Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) research team (L to R) Laura Hubbard, Erin Stelzer, Alexei Rose, Molly Richard and Anlin Larson displaying essential tools used in developing laboratory methods to detect infectious avian influenza virus (AIV) in freshwater. The team will deploy these methods for environmental surveillance.
Scientists pose with filtration spike experiment
(L to R) Research Hydrologist Laura Hubbard, Supervisory Hydrologist Carrie Givens, and Microbiologist Erin Stelzer pose with filtration spike experiment equipment at the Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) in Lansing, Michigan.
(L to R) Research Hydrologist Laura Hubbard, Supervisory Hydrologist Carrie Givens, and Microbiologist Erin Stelzer pose with filtration spike experiment equipment at the Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) in Lansing, Michigan.
USGS Analyst Performs DNA Extractions in a Laboratory
A U.S. Geological Survey analyst performs DNA extractions on enriched cultures of water from the study area. Once the DNA was extracted it was used to detect pathogen gene markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
A U.S. Geological Survey analyst performs DNA extractions on enriched cultures of water from the study area. Once the DNA was extracted it was used to detect pathogen gene markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 19
Wings of Change: The Environment's Influence on Bird Flu
Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses naturally occur in wild birds and are rarely fatal. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are highly contagious, spread rapidly, are often fatal to poultry, and have been responsible for worldwide outbreaks. Together, LPAI and HPAI are generally referred to as either avian influenza viruses (AIVs) or "the bird flu."
Statewide Assessment of Iowa Streams Links Landscape Characteristics to Antibiotic Resistance Signatures
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted the first statewide assessment of antibiotics, antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB), and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in streams (water column and bed sediment samples) across Iowa. Results indicated that ARB and ARGs were prevalent, and a combination of watershed characteristics (such as land use, livestock population, and human population)...
Michigan Bacteriological Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program uses a wide array of traditional and modern molecular approaches to evaluate microbial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance pathways in the environment. The scientists use these approaches to advance the understanding of how environmental...
Environmental detection of avian influenza virus
A collaborative project with Federal and university partners working toward the goal of understanding avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment: early detection, enhancing biosurveillance, and mitigation to reduce spread into domestic poultry and potential occupational or recreational exposure to humans.
A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus).
Collaborative Science Provides Understanding of Contaminants in Bottled Water-an Increasingly Common Alternate Drinking Water Source
U.S. Geological Survey researchers and public health experts collaborated to determine what contaminants occur in bottled water, which is an increasingly common alternate drinking water source, to broaden their understanding of human exposure to contaminants in drinking water supply chains. Bottled water, like public-supply and private-well tap water supply chains, contained multiple organic...
Costs and Benefits of Nitrapyrin
In December 2020, our research group (as part of the Food Integrated Science Team) published a review of nitrapyrin costs and benefits in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology (SWIGG) study
The fractured bedrock aquifers of southwest Wisconsin are often overlain by shallow soils, so private wells are potentially vulnerable to contamination by nitrate and pathogens from the land surface. The goal of this study is to evaluate the extent and causes of private well water contamination in three southwest Wisconsin counties.
Bacterial Pathogens
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) studies the source, occurrence, and distribution of the bacterial pathogens Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus and the relation of occurrence of pathogens with fecal indicator bacteria, land-use, season, hydrology, geology, weather...
Enhance Great Lakes Beach Recreational Water Quality Decision Making
Important questions about beach closures and management remain unanswered in the Great Lakes where over 500 beaches are routinely used along the nearly 11,000 miles of coastline. The economies of coastal areas are dependent on public confidence in the quality of water at the shoreline, and beach managers need reliable science-based information to make beach closure and beach management decisions...
Antibiotic Resistance
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes. We have concentrated our studies on antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human-health concern, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA), and Klebsiella and E. coli resistant to third...
Microbial Source Tracking
It is often important to understand the source of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals that impair the normal use of water. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes, specific bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli O157:H7 which is primarily associated with cattle), and host-associated bacterial genes (such as human or animal specific Bacteroides genes), can be used to evaluate the...
Secretary Haaland views a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water
Upper Midwest Water Science Center and Michigan Bacteriological Research Lab (MI-BaRL) Supervisory Research Hydrologist, Carrie Givens, shows Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water.
Upper Midwest Water Science Center and Michigan Bacteriological Research Lab (MI-BaRL) Supervisory Research Hydrologist, Carrie Givens, shows Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland a cyanobacteria culture grown from Lake Superior water.
USGS Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory
Photo of the USGS UMID Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Photo of the USGS UMID Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory at the Upper Midwest Water Science Center
MI-BaRL research team displaying laboratory equipment used in developing avian influenza research methods
linkThe Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) research team (L to R) Laura Hubbard, Erin Stelzer, Alexei Rose, Molly Richard and Anlin Larson displaying essential tools used in developing laboratory methods to detect infectious avian influenza virus (AIV) in freshwater. The team will deploy these methods for environmental surveillance.
MI-BaRL research team displaying laboratory equipment used in developing avian influenza research methods
linkThe Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) research team (L to R) Laura Hubbard, Erin Stelzer, Alexei Rose, Molly Richard and Anlin Larson displaying essential tools used in developing laboratory methods to detect infectious avian influenza virus (AIV) in freshwater. The team will deploy these methods for environmental surveillance.
Scientists pose with filtration spike experiment
(L to R) Research Hydrologist Laura Hubbard, Supervisory Hydrologist Carrie Givens, and Microbiologist Erin Stelzer pose with filtration spike experiment equipment at the Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) in Lansing, Michigan.
(L to R) Research Hydrologist Laura Hubbard, Supervisory Hydrologist Carrie Givens, and Microbiologist Erin Stelzer pose with filtration spike experiment equipment at the Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) in Lansing, Michigan.
USGS Analyst Performs DNA Extractions in a Laboratory
A U.S. Geological Survey analyst performs DNA extractions on enriched cultures of water from the study area. Once the DNA was extracted it was used to detect pathogen gene markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
A U.S. Geological Survey analyst performs DNA extractions on enriched cultures of water from the study area. Once the DNA was extracted it was used to detect pathogen gene markers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government