Kimberly S. Reece

Professor

Email: [[v|kreece]]
Phone: (804) 684-7407
Office: Chesapeake Bay Hall 226
Section: Ecosystem Health

Education

B.S. University of Rochester
Ph.D. Cornell University

Website

Harmful Algal Blooms

Interests

Molecular/genetic analysis of aquaculture species, harmful algal bloom species (HABs) and marine disease pathogens.

Shellfish Genetics: The goal of these projects is to develop and utilize molecular genetic markers for aquacultured species including the hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria and M. campechiensis, and the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Molecular markers are used for population genetic analyses, genetic tracking restoration efforts and examination of genetic interactions between hatchery stocks and wild populations. In addition, these markers are used to develop genetic maps and can provide information to facilitate breeding programs when markers are found linked to traits of interest such as disease resistance or resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Phylogenetic analysis of protozoan parasites: I have done extensive molecular phylogenies of protozoan parasites particularly focused on Perkinsus species and members of the phylum Haplosporidia, which are found around the world. Many of these parasites are harmful pathogens of commercially important molluscs.

Molecular diagnostics targeting harmful algal bloom (HAB) organisms and marine pathogens: Molecular assays are used to detect HAB and pathogen species in finfish, shellfish and environmental water and sediment samples. Some of the targeted pathogens include the oyster herpes-like virus (OsHV-1 and OsUV-1 mvars), Hematodinium perezi, which infects blue crabs, vibrio species that are pathogenic to humans and shellfish, as well as other oyster pathogens including several Perkinsus species. These assays support monitoring programs and ecological studies that advance our understanding of disease dynamics including transmission.

Toxicity studies of HAB species: These studies examine toxic effects of HAB species found in Chesapeake Bay including Alexandrium monilatum, Karlodinium veneficum and Margalefidinium polykrikoides, on aquatic organisms through laboratory and field experiments.

Projects & Support

Development of molecular markers to enable advancement of the southern hard clam (Mercenaria campechiensis) restoration and aquaculture. With J McDowell (VIMS), S Hesterberg (Gulf Shellfish Institute), A Collins (FL Sea Grant), C Hemmel (Bay Shellfish Co.), 2024-2027; NOAA Aquaculture

Development of new qPCR assays and molecular analyses of HAB samples in VA waters of Chesapeake Bay. 2025-2026; VA Dept. of Health

Knowledge is power: Resolving the geographic distribution and host range of OsHV-1 on the East and Gulf coasts to mitigate impediments on shellfish aquaculture commerce. With CA Burge (CA Fish & Wildlife, UC Davis), RB Carnegie (VIMS), 2022-2025; NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy

Regional MERHAB: Developing a monitoring and forecast system for Margalefidinium polykrikoides and Alexandrium monilatum in the lower Chesapeake Bay. With M Mulholland (ODU), P St-Laurent, M Friedrichs et al. (VIMS), 2023-2028; MERHAB NOAA

Investigating biotic and abiotic drivers that modulate pathogen transmission in a marine system. With JD Shields, R Lipcius (VIMS), J Shi, L Shaw (W&M main), 2022-2027; NSF

Recent Publications

Chen X, Jones DD, Limjoco CF, Groner ML, Reece K S and JD Shields (in revision) Filter feeding by oysters reduces disease transmission in a marine host-parasite system. Ecology
Youtsey LS, Reece KS, Snyder RA and JR McDowell (2025) Transcriptomic profile of the northern hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) in response to short-term low salinity exposure. Front. Mar. Sci. 12:1574486.
Ben-Horin T, Audemard C, Ciesielski M, Clerkin T, Krogman N, Lucas J, Noble RT, Moss Small J, Reece K and A Wilbur (2025) Broodstock genetics, more than ploidy alone, explains oyster resilience at farm sites impacted by sudden unusual mortality syndrome (SUMS). Aquaculture 607:742691.
Armstrong CT, Sakowicz GP, Smith JL, Sanderson MP, Reece KS and AR Place (2025) Phycotoxins along two New Jersey estuaries—Limitations of passive samplers in a complex system. Estuaries and Coasts 48:106.
McCarty AJ, McDowell JR, Reece KS, Snyder RA and K Hudson (2025) Application of genetic technology in support of the northern hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) aquaculture industry. Front. Aquac. 4:1556440.
Yu X, Tomlinson MC, Shen J, Li Y, Hounshell AG, Scott GP and KS Reece (2025) Using a coupled satellite image-numerical model framework to simulate Margalefidinum polykrikoides in the York River estuary. Front. Mar. Sci. 12:1561340.
K Reece , R Carnegie, D Bushek (2025) Perkinsosis (aka dermo) of bivalve mollusks.
R Smolowitz (Ed), Diseases of Bivalves, Academic Press, pp 71-93.
K Reece, D Bushek, R Carnegie (2025) History and taxonomy of haplosporidians, and haplosporidiosis in bivalve mollusks. R Smolowitz (Ed), Diseases of Bivalves, Academic Press, pp 95-116.
Grouzdev D, Farhat S, Guo X, Espinosa E, Reece K, McDowell J, Huiping Y, Rivara G, Reitsma J, Clemtson A, Tanguy A and A Bassem (2024) Development and validation of a 66K SNP array for the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria). BMC Genomics 25:847.
Gaillard S, Small HJ, Ayache N, Tanniou S, Hess P, Réveillon D, Harris CM, Harris TM, Scott GP, MacIntyre A and KS Reece (2024) Investigating the allelochemical interaction of Alexandrium monilatum with diatoms and other dinoflagellates. Harmful Algae 139:102706.
Gaillard S, Small HJ, Carnegie RB, Harris TM, Tanniou S, Réveillon D, Hess P and KS Reece (2024) Sublethal exposure of easter oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to the goniodomin-producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium monilatum: Fate of toxins, histopathology, and gene expression. J. Aquat. Anim. Health 36:374-394.
Kachmar ML, Reece KS, Agnew MV, Schreier HJ and CA Burge (2024) Susceptibility of shellfish aquaculture species in the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland coastal bays to Ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvariants. Dis. Aquat. Org. 157:113-127.
Harris CM, Hintze L, Gaillard S, Tanniou S, Small H, Reece KS, Tillmann U, Krock B and TM Harris (2023) Mass spectrometric characterization of the seco acid formed by cleavage of the macrolide ring of the algal metabolite goniodomin A. Toxicon 231:107159.
Ropp AJ, Reece KS, Snyder RA, Song J, Biesack EE and JR McDowell (2023) Fine-scale population structure of the northern hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) revealed by genome-wide SNP markers. Evolut. Applicat. 16:1422-1437.
Pease SKD, Egerton TA, Reece KS, Sanderson MP, Onofrio MD, Yeargan E, Wood A, Roach A, Huang I-SW, Scott GP, Place AR, Hayes AM and JL Smith (2023) Co-occurrence of marine and freshwater phycotoxins in oysters, and analysis of possible predictors for management. Toxicon: X 19:100166.
Audemard C, Reece KS, Latour RJ, Bienlien LM and RB Carnegie (2023) Influence of oyster genetic background on levels of human pathogenic Vibrio spp. Aquaculture 562:738763.
Chen X, Reece KS and JD Shields (2023) Natural transmission of Hematodinium perezi in juvenile blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in the laboratory. J. Invertebr. Pathol. 198:107918.
Sanderson MP, Hudson KL, Gregg LS, Chesler-Poole AB, Small JM, Reece KS, Carnegie RB and JL Smith (2023) Detection of toxins and harmful algal bloom cells in shellfish hatcheries and efforts toward removal. Aquaculture 562:738714.
Qin Q, Shen J and KS Reece (2022) A deterministic model for understanding nonlinear viral dynamics in oysters. Appl. Environ. Micro. 88(8):1-23.
Audemard C, Ben-Horin T, Kator HI and KS Reece (2022) Vibrio vulniﬁcus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters under low tidal range conditions:Is seawater analysis useful for risk assessment? Foods 11(24):4065.
Fortin SG, Song B., Anderson IC and KS Reece (2022) Blooms of the harmful algae Margalefidinium polykrikoides and Alexandrium monilatum alter the York River Estuary microbiome. Harmful Algae 114:102216.
Quin Q, Shen J and KS Reece (2022) A deterministic model for understanding nonlinear viral dynamics in oysters. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 88(8):e02360-21.
Audemard C, Reece KS, Latour RJ, Bienlien LM and RB Carnegie (2022) Influence of oyster genetic background on levels of human pathogenic Vibrio spp. Aquaculture 562(1):738763.
Bienlien LM, Audemard C, Reece KS and RB Carnegie (2021) Impact of parasitism on levels of human- pathogenic Vibrio species in eastern oysters. J. Appl. Microbiol. 132(2).
Ben-Horin T, Audemard C, Calvo L, Reece KS and D Bushek (2021) Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus increase in intertidal-farmed oysters in the mid-Atlantic region, but only at low tide. N. Am. J. Aquac. 84:95-104.
Harris CM, Krock B, Tillmann U, Tainter CJ, Stec DF, Andersen AJC, Larsen TO, Reece KS and TM Harris (2021) Alkalai metal-and acid-catalyzed interconversion of goniondomin A with congeners B and C. J. Nat. Prod. 84(9):2554-2567.
Bienlien LM, Audemard C, Reece KS and RB Carnegie (2021) Impact of parasitism on levels of human-pathogenic Vibrio species in eastern oysters. J. Appl. Microbiol. 00:1-12.
Chowdhury MSN, Reece KS, Joy SS, Coen LD and AC Smaal (2021) Morphological and mitochondrial DNA analyses of oysters in the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. J. Shellfish Res. 40(2):213-229.
Qin Q, Shen J, Reece KS and MR Mullholland (2021) Developing a 3D mechanistic model for examining factors contributing to harmful blooms of Margalefidinium polykrikoides in a temperate estuary. Harmful Algae 105:102055.
Himes AR, Rivest EB, McDowell JR, Reece KS and RA Snyder (2021) Assessing environmental tolerance of Mercenaria mercenaria along the east coast of the United States. Integr. Comp. Biol. 61:E381-E381.
Onofrio MD, Egerton TA, Reece KS, Pease SKD, Sanderson MP, Jones III W, Yeargan E, Roach A, DeMent C, Wood A, Reay WG, Place AR and JL Smith (2021) Spatiotemporal distribution of phycotoxins and their co-occurrence within nearshore waters. Harmful Algae 103:101993.
de Melo CMR, Divilov K, Durland E, Schoolfield B, Davis J, Carnegie RB, Reece KS, Evans F, and C Langdon (2021) Introduction and evalutation on the US West Coast of a new strain (Midori) of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) collected from the Ariake Sea, southern Japan. Aquaculture 531:735970.
Pease SKD, Reece KS, O'Brien J, Hobbs PLM and JL Smith (2021) Oyster hatchery breakthrough of two HABs and potential effects on larval Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Harmful Algae 101:101965.

Prior Publications (2020-1995)

Dungan CF and KS Reece (2020) Chapter 5.2.1: Perkinsus spp. Infections of Marine Mollusks. The American Society Fish Health Section Bluebook. https://units.fisheries.org/fhs/fish-health-section-blue-book-2020/section-1-diagnostic/
Reece KS, Litaker RW, Place AR and WK Vogelbein (2020) Pfiesteria: a common estuarine dinoflagellate with a colorful past. In: Dinoflagellates: Classification, Evolution and Ecological Significance. Ed. D.V. Subba Rao, Ch. 9, pp. 303-351. Nova Science Publishers, Hauppauge, NY, USA.
Reece KS, Burreson EM, Gibson DM, Hildebrandt S and I Fenwick (2020) The Chesapeake Bay Oyster: Cobblestone to Keystone. In: Diet for a Sustainable Ecosystem: The science for recovering the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its people. Ed. B. Cuker. Series: Estuaries of the World, Ed. J.P. Ducrotoy. Springer International Publishing AG, Cham, Switzerland.
Harris CM, Reece KS and TM Harris (2020) Revisiting the toxin profile of Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax; Formation of a desmethyl congener of goniodomin A. Toxicon. 188:122-126. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.09.013
Harris CM, Reece KS, Stec DF, Scott GP, Jones WM, Hobbs PLM and TM Harris (2020) The toxin goniodomin, produced by Alexandrium spp., is identical to goniodomin A. Harmful Algae 92:101707. doi: 10.1016/j.hal.2019.101707
Friedman CS, Reece KS, Wippel BJT, Agnew MV, Dègremont L, Dhar AK, Kirkland P, MacIntyre A, Morga B, Robison C and CA Burge (2020) Unraveling concordant and varying responses of oyster species to Ostreid Herpesvirus 1 variants. Science of the Total Environment 739:139752. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139752
Burge CA, Reece KS, Dhar AK, Kirkland P, Morga B, Dégremont L, Faury N, Wippel BJT, MacIntyre A and CS Friedman (2020) First comparison of French and Australian OsHV-1 µvars by bath exposure. Dis. Aquat. Org. 138:137-144. doi: 10.3354/dao03452
Wolny J., Tomlinson MC, Schollaert Uz S, Egerton TA, McKay JR, Meredith A, Reece KS, Scott GP and RP Stumpf (2020) Current and future remote sensing of harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay to support the shellfish industry. Frontiers in Marine Science 7:337. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00337
Tainter CJ, Schley ND, Harris CM, Stec DF, Song AK, Balinski A, May JC, Mclean JA, Reece KS and TM Harris (2020) Algal toxin goniodomin A binds potassium ion selectively to yield a conformationally altered complex with potential biological consequences. J. Nat. Prod. 83(4):1069-1081. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b01094
Small HJ, Huchin-Mian JP, Reece KS, Pagenkopp-Lohan K, Butler IV MJ and JD Shields (2019) Parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi prevalence in larval and juvenile blue crabs Callinectes sapidus from coastal bays of Virginia. Dis. Aquat. Org. 134(3):215-222. doi: 10.3354/dao03371
Small HJ, Stentiford GD, Behringer DC, Freeman MA, Atherley NAM, Reece KS, Bateman KS and JD Shields (2019) Characterization of microsporidian Ameson herrnkindi sp.nov. infecting Carribean spiny lobsters Panulirus argus. Dis. Aquat. Org. 136(3):209-218. doi: 10.3354/dao03406
Turley B, Reece KS, Shen J, Guo X and JR McDowell (2019) Multiple drivers of interannual oyster settlement and recruitment in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Cons. Genet. 20(5):1057-1071. doi: 10.1007/s10592-019-01194-0
Guévélou E, Carnegie RB, Small JM, Hudson K, Reece KS, Rybovich MM and SK Allen Jr. (2019) Tracking triploid mortalities of Eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica in the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay. J. Shellfish Res. 38:101-113. doi: 10.2983/035.038.0110
Burreson EM, Reece KS and F Dunker (2019) A new species of Ostreobdella (Hirudinida: Piscicolidae) infesting rockfishes in the genus Sebastes (Sebastidae) in marine public aquaria on the northern California coast, U.S.A. Comparat. Parasitol. 86:30-37. doi: 10.1654/1525-2647-86.1.30
Audemard C, Kator HI and KS Reece (2018) High salinity relay as a post-harvest processing method for reducing Vibrio vulnificus levels in oysters (Crassostrea virginica). J. Food Microbiol. 279:70-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.04.043
Pagenkopp Lohan K, Hill-Spanik K, Torchin M, Fleischer R, Carnegie R, Reece KS and G Ruiz (2018) Phylogeography and connectivity of molluscan parasites: Perkinsus spp. in Panama and beyond. Inter. J. Parasit. 48:135-144. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.014
Kang H-S, Yang H-S, Reece KS, Cho Y-G, Lee H-M, Kim C-W and KS Choi (2017) Survey on Perkinsus species in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in Korean waters using species-specific PCR. Fish Pathol. 52:202-205. doi: 10.3147/jsfp.52.202
Reece KS, Scott GP, Dang C and CF Dungan (2017) A novel monoclonal Perkinsus chesapeaki in vitro isolate from an Australian cockle, Anadara trapezia. J. Invert. Pathol. 148:86-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2017.05.007
Vandersea MW, Kibler SR, Van Sant SB, Tester PA, Eckert G, Camarata C, Reece KS, Scott GP, Place A, Holderied K, Hondolero D and RW Litaker (2017) qPCR assays for Alexandrium fundyense and A. ostenfeldii identified from Alaskan coastal waters and a review of species-specific Alexandrium molecular assays. Phycologia 56:303-320. doi: 10.2216/16-41.1
Kang H-S, Yang H-S, Reece KS, Hong H-K, Park K-I and K-S Choi (2016) First report of P. honshuensis in the variegated carpet shell clam Ruditapes variegatus in Korea. Dis. Aquat. Org. 122:35-41. doi: 10.3354/dao03063
Glandon HL, Michaelis AK, Politano VA, Alexander ST, Vlahovich EA, Reece KS, Koopman HN, Meritt DW and KT Paynter (2016) Impact of environment and ontogeny on relative fecundity and egg quality of female oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from four sites in Northern Chesapeake Bay. Biol. Bull. 231:185-198. doi: 10.1086/691066
Hill-Spanik KM, McDowell JR, Stokes NA, Reece KS, Burreson EM and RB Carnegie (2015) Phylogeographic perspective on the distribution and dispersal of a marine pathogen, oyster parasite Bonamia exitiosa. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 536:65-76. doi: 10.3354/meps11425
Ramilo A, Carrasco N, Reece KS, Valencia JM, Grau A, Aceituno P, Rojas M, Gairin I, Dolores Furones M, Abollo E and A Villalba (2015) Update of information on perkinsosis in NW Mediterranean coast: Identification of Perkinsus spp. (Protista) in new locations and hosts. J. Invert. Pathol. 125:37-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2014.12.008
Dang C, Dungan CF, Scott GP and KS Reece (2015) Perkinsus sp. infections and in vitro isolates from Anadara trapezia (mud arks) of Queensland, Australia. Dis. Aquat. Org. 113:31-58. doi: 10.3354/dao02816
da Silva PM, Scardua MP, Vianna RT, Mendonça RC, Vieira CB, Dungan CF, Scott GP and KS Reece (2014) Two Perkinsus spp. infect Crassostrea gasar oysters from cultured and wild populations of the Rio São Francisco estuary, Sergipe, northeastern Brazil. J. Inv. Parasit. 119:62-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2014.04.005
Hill KM, Stokes NA, Webb SC, Hine PM, Kroeck MA, Moore JD, Morley MS, Reece KS, Burreson EM and RB Carnegie (2014) Phylogenetics of Bonamia parasites based on small subunit and internal transcribed spacer region ribosomal DNA sequence data. Dis. Aquat. Org. 110:33-54. doi: 10.3354/dao02738
Pagenkopp Lohan KM, McDowell JR, Shields JD and KS Reece (2014) Genotypic variation in the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi along the Delmarva Peninsula, Virginia. Mar. Biol. 161(2):261-273. doi: 10.1007/s00227-013-2332-3
Gauthier DT, Audemard CA, Carlsson JEL, Darden TL, Denson MR, Reece KS and J Carlsson (2013) Genetic population structure of US Atlantic coastal striped bass (Morone saxatilis). J. Hered. 104(4):510-520. doi: 10.1093/jhered/est031
Pagenkopp Lohan KM, Small HJ, Shields JD, Place AR.and KS Reece (2013) Conservation in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region of Hematodinium perezi from Callinectes sapidus. Dis. Aquat. Org. 103(1):65-75. doi: 10.3354/dao02559
Pagenkopp Lohan KM, Reece KS, Miller RL, Wheeler KN, Small HJ and JD Shields (2012) The role of alternate hosts in the ecology and life history of Hematodinium sp., a parasitic dinoflagellate of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). J. Parasitol. 98:73-84. doi: 10.1645/GE-2854.1
Pagenkopp Lohan KM, McDowell JR, Shields JD, Xiao J, Miller TL and KS Reece (2012) Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for the parasitic dinoflagellate, Hematodinium perezi, a parasite of Callinectes sapidus. Mol. Ecol. Res. 12:570-572. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2012.03133.x
Liu S, Rexroad CE, Couch CR, Cordes JF, Reece KS and CV Sullivan (2012) A microsatellite linkage map of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) reveals conserved synteny with the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Mar. Biotechnol. 14:237-244. doi: 10.1007/s10126-011-9407-2
Small HJ, Shields JD, Reece KS, Bateman K and GD Stentiford (2012) Morphological and molecular characterization of Hematodinium perezi (Dinophyceae: Syndiniales), a dinoflagellate parasite of the harbour crab, Liocarcinus depurator. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 59:54-66. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2011.00592.x
Xiao J, Cordes JF, Moss JA and KS Reece (2011) Genetic diversity in US hatchery stocks of Crassostrea ariakensis (Fujita, 1913) and comparison with natural populations in Asia. J. Shellfish. Res. 30:751-760. doi: 10.2983/035.030.0315
Audemard C, Kator HI, Rhodes MW, Gallivan T, Erskine AJ, Leggett TA and KS Reece (2011) High salinity relay as a post-harvest processing strategy to reduce Vibrio vulnificus levels in Chesapeake Bay oysters (Crassostrea virginica). J. Food Protection 74(11):1902-1907. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x.JFP-11-152
Gauthier DT, Reece KS, Xiao J, Rhodes MW, Kator HI, Latour RJ, Bonzek CF, Hoenig JM and WK Vogelbein (2010) Quantitative PCR assay for Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii and Mycobacterium shottsii and application to environmental samples and fishes from Chesapeake Bay. Appl. Environ. Micro. 76:6171-6179. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01091-10
Li C, Shields JD, Miller TL, Small HJ, Pagenkopp KM and KS Reece (2010) Detection and quantification of the free-living stage of the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium sp. in laboratory and environmental samples. Harmful Algae 9:515-521. doi: 10.1016/j.hal.2010.04.001
Stentiford GD, Bateman KS, Small HJ, Moss J, Shields JD, Reece KS and I Tuck (2010) Myospora metanephrops (n. gn., n. sp.) from marine lobsters and a proposal for erection of a new Order and Family (Crustaceacida; Myosporidae) in the Class Marinosporidia (Phylum Microspora). Int. J. Parasitol. 40:1433-1446. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2010.04.017
Krugner-Higby L, Haak D, Johnson PTJ, Shields JD, Jones III WM, Reece KS, Meinke T, Gendron A and JA Rusak (2010) Ulcerative disease outbreak in crayfish Oronectes propinquus linked Saprolegnia australis in Big Muskellunge Lake, Wisconsin. Dis. Aquat. Org. 91:57-66. doi: 10.3354/dao02237
Costa de Melo AG, Varela ES, Beasley CR, Schneider H, Sampaio I, Gaffney PM, Reece KS and CH Tagliaro (2010) Molecular identification, phylogeny and geographic distribution of Brazilian mangrove oysters (Crassostrea). Gen. Mol. Biol. 33:564-572. doi: 10.1590/S1415-47572010000300030
Xiao J, Cordes JF, Wang H, Guo X and KS Reece (2010) Population genetics of Crassostrea ariakensis in Asia inferred from microsatellite markers. Mar. Biol. 157:1767-1781. doi: 10.1007/S00227-010-1449-x
Small HJ, Shields JD, Haas LW, Vogelbein WK, Moss JA and KS Reece (2009) Genetic variation among strains of Pseudopfiesteria shumwayae and Pfiesteria piscicida (Dinophyceae). J. Phycol. 45(6):1315-1322. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2009.00754.x
Reece KS, Burreson EM and CF Dungan (2008) Molecular epidemiology of Perkinsus marinus and P. chesapeaki infections in wild oysters and clams of the Chesapeake Bay region. Dis. Aquat. Org. 82:237-248. doi: 10.3354/dao01997
Cordes JF, Xiao J and KS Reece (2008) Discrimination of nine Crassostrea oyster species based upon restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. J. Shellfish Res. 27:1155-1161. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000-27.5.1155
Carlsson J, Carnegie RB, Cordes JF, Hare MP, Leggett AT and KS Reece (2008) Evaluating recruitment contribution of a selectively bred aquaculture line of the oyster, Crassostrea virginica used in restoration efforts. J. Shellfish Res. 27:1117-1124. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000-27.5.1117
Johnston LD, Brown G, Gauthier D, Reece K, Kator H and P Van Veld (2008) Apolipoprotein A-I from striped bass (Morone saxatilis) demonstrates antibacterial activity in vitro. Compar. Biochem. Physiol. 151:167-175. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2008.06.011
Gast RJ, Moran DM, Audemard C, Lyon MM, Uhlinger K, Reece KS, Leavitt D and R Smolowitz (2008) Environmental distribution and persistence of Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX). Dis. Aquat. Org. 81:219-229. doi: 10.3354/dao01948
Gauthier DT, Vogelbein WK, Rhodes MW and KS Reece (2008) Nested polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of Mycobacterium shottsii and M. pseudoshottsii in striped bass. J. Aquat. Animal Health. 20:192-201. doi: 10.1577/H07-037.1
Casas SM, Reece KS, Li Y, Moss JA, Villalba A and JF La Peyre (2008) Continuous culture of Perkinsus mediterraneus, a parasite of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis and characterization of its morphology, propagation, and extracellular proteins in vitro. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 55:34-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2008.00301.x
Xiao J, Cordes JF, Jones KC, Allen SK, Jr and KS Reece (2008) Eleven novel microsatellite markers for the Asian oyster Crassostrea ariakensis. Mol. Ecol. Res. 8:843-845. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2007.02085.x
Moss JA, Xiao J, Dungan CF and KS Reece (2008) Description of Perkinsus beihaiensis n. sp., a new Perkinsus sp. parasite in oysters of Southern China. J. Eukaryot. Microbiol. 55:117-130. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2008.00314.x
Reece KS, Cordes JF, Stubbs JB, Francis E and K Hudson (2008) Molecular phylogenies help resolve taxonomic confusion with Asian Crassostrea oyster species. Mar. Biol. 153:709-721. doi: 10.1007/s00227-007-0846-2
Grauvogel C, Reece KS, Brinkmann H and J Peterson (2007) Plastid isoprenoid metabolism in the oyster parasite Perkinsus marinus connects dinoflagellates and malaria pathogens - new impetus for studying alveolates. J. Mol. Evol. 65:725-729. doi: 10.1007/s00239-007-9053-5
Moss JA, Burreson EM, Cordes JF, Dungan CF, Brown GD, Wang A, Wu X and KS Reece (2007) Pathogens in Crassostrea ariakensis and other Asian oyster species: implications for non-native oyster introduction to Chesapeake Bay. Dis. Aquat. Org. 77: 207-223. doi: 10.3354/dao01829
Mason PL, Litaker RW, Jeong HJ, Ha JH, Reece KS, Stokes NA and JY Park (2007) Description of a new genus of Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates, Luciella gen. nov. (Dinophyceae), including two new species: Luciella masanensis sp. nov. and Luciella atlantis sp. nov. J. Phycol. 43:799-810. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2007.00370.x
Dungan CF, Hamilton RM, Burreson EM, Reece KS and NA Stokes (2007) Experimental cross-infections by Perkinsus marinus and P. chesapeaki in three sympatric species of Chesapeake Bay oysters and clams. Dis. Aquat. Org. 76(1):67-75. doi: 10.3354/dao076067
Nunan LM, Lightner DV, Pantoja CR, Stokes NA and KS Reece (2007) Characterization of a rediscovered haplosporidian parasite from cultured Penaeus vannamei. Dis. Aquat. Org. 74:67-75. doi: 10.3354/dao074067
Dungan CF, Reece KS, Moss JA, Hamilton RM and BK Diggles (2007) Perkinsus olseni in vitro isolates from the New Zealand clam Austrovenus stutchburyi. J. Eukary. Microbiol. 54(3):263-270. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2007.00265.x
Small HJ, Shields JD, Moss JA and KS Reece (2007) Conservation in the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) in Hematodinium species infecting crustacean hosts found in the UK and Newfoundland. Dis. Aquat. Org. 75:251-258. doi: 10.3354/dao075251
Small HJ, Shields JD, Hudson KL and KS Reece (2007) Molecular detection of Hematodinium sp. infecting the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. J. Shellfish Res. 26:131-139. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000(2007)26[131:MDOHSI]2.0.CO;2
Carlsson J and KS Reece (2007) Eight PCR primers to amplify EST-linked microsatellites in the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica genome. Mol. Ecol. Notes. 7:257-259. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-8286.2006.01573.x
Litaker RW, Vandersea MW, Reece KS, Stokes NA, Yonish BA, Kibler SR, Black,MND, Steidinger KA, Lutzoni FM and PA Tester (2007) Recognizing dinoflagellate species using ITS rDNA sequences. J. Phycol. 43(2):344-355. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2007.00320.x
Boettcher KJ, Smolowitz R, Lewis EJ, Allam B, Dickerson H. Ford S, Huq A, Reece KS, Rivara G, Maloy AP and CM Woodley (2006) Juvenile oyster disease (JOD) in Crassostrea virginica: synthesis of knowledge and recommendations. J. Shellfish Res. 25:683-686. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000(2006)25[651:AOTP]2.0.CO;2
Li C, Shields JD, Small HJ, Reece KS, Hartwig CL, Cooper RA and RE Ratzlaff (2006) Detection of Panulirus argus virus 1 (Pav1) in the Caribbean spiny lobster using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Dis. Aquat. Org. 72:185-192. doi: 10.3354/dao072185
Carlsson J, Morrison C and KS Reece (2006) Wild and aquaculture populations of the Eastern oyster compared using microsatellites. J. Hered. 97:595-598. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esl034
Dungan CF and KS Reece (2006) In vitro propagation of two Perkinsus spp. parasites from Japanese Manila clams Venerupis philippinarum, and description of Perkinsus honshuensis n. sp. J. Eukary. Microbiol. 53(5):316-326.
Burreson EM and KS Reece (2006) Spore ornamentation of Haplosporidium nelsoni and Haplosporidium costale (Haplosporidia) and incongruence of molecular phylogeny and spore ornamentation in the Haplosporidia. J. Parasitol. 92(6):1295-1301
Camara MD, Allen SK Jr, Carnegie RB and KS Reece (2006) Out-crossing among commercial strains of the Northern Quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria: Survival, growth, and implications for selective breeding. J. Shellfish Res. 25(2):403-416.
Audemard C, Ragone Calvo LM, Paynter KT, Reece KS and EM Burreson (2006) Real-time PCR investigation of parasite ecology: In situ determination of oyster parasite Perkinsus marinus transmission dynamics in lower Chesapeake Bay. Parasitol. 132:827-842. doi: 10.1017/s0031182006009851
Hare M, Allen SK Jr, Bloomer P, Camara MD, Carnegie RB, Murfree J, Luckenbach M, Meritt D, Morrison C, Paynter KT, Reece KS and C Rose (2006) A genetic test for recruitment enhancement in Chesapeake Bay oysters, Crassostrea virginica, after population supplementation with a disease tolerant strain. Cons. Genetics 7:717-734. doi: 10.1007/s10592-005-9108-3
Moss JA, Burreson EM and KS Reece (2006) Advanced Perkinsus marinus infections in Crassostrea ariakensis maintained under laboratory conditions. J. Shellfish. Res. 25(1):65-72. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000(2006)25[65:APMIIC]2.0.CO;2
Litaker RW, Steidinger KA, Mason PL, Lansberg JH, Shields JD, Reece KS, Haas LW, Vogelbein WK, Vandersea MW, Kibler SR and PA Tester (2005) The reclassification of Pfiesteria shumwayae (Dinophyceae): Pseudopfiesteria, gen. nov. J. Phycol. 41(3):643-651. doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2005.00075.x
Zhang Q, Allen SK Jr and KS Reece (2005) Genetic variation in wild and hatchery stocks of Suminoe oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) assessed by PCR-RFLP and microsatellite markers. Mar. Biotechnol. 7(6):588-599. doi: 10.1007/s10126-004-5105-7
Brown GD, Kaattari SL and KS Reece (2005) Effect of homogenate from different oyster species on Perkinsus marinus proliferation and subtilisin gene transcription. J. Shellfish Res. 24(4):1027-1033. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000(2005)24[1027:EOHFDO]2.0.CO;2
Burreson EM, Dungan CF and KS Reece (2005) Molecular, morphological, and experimental evidence support the synonymy of Perkinsus chesapeaki and Perkinsus andrewsi. J. Eukary. Micro. 52(3):258-270.doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2005.05-00035.x
Hedgecock D, Gaffney PM, Goulletquer P, Guo X, Reece K and GW Warr (2005) The case for sequencing the Pacific oyster genome. J. Shellfish Res. 24:429-441. doi: 10.2983/0730-8000(2005)24[429:TCFSTP]2.0.CO;2
Rhodes MW, Kator H, McNabb A, Deshayes C, Reyrat J-M, Brown-Elliott BA, Wallace R Jr, Trott KA, Parker JM, Lifland B, Osterhout G, Kaattari I, Reece KS, Vogelbein W and CA Ottinger (2005) Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii sp. nov., a slowly growing chromogenic species isolated from Chesapeake Bay striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Int. J. System. Evol. Microbiol. 55:1139-1147. doi: 10.1099/ijs.0.63343-0
Friedman CS, Estes RM, Stokes NA, Burge CA, Hargove JS, Barber BJ, Elston RA, Burreson EM and KS Reece (2005) Herpes virus in juvenile Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas from Tomales Bay, California, coincides with summer mortality episodes. Dis. Aquat. Org. 63:33-41. doi: 10.3354/dao063033
Villalba A, Reece KS, Ordás MC, Casas SM and A Figueras (2004) Perkinsosis in molluscs – a review. Aquatic Living Resources. 17(4):411-432. doi: 10.1051/alr:2004050
Reece KS, Siddall ME, Stokes NA and EM Burreson (2004) Molecular phylogeny of the Haplosporidia based on two independent gene sequences. J. Parasitol. 90(5):1111-1122. doi: 10.1645/GE-102R
Audemard C, Reece KS and EM Burreson (2004) Real-time PCR for the detection and quantification of the protistan parasite Perkinsus marinus in environmental waters. Appl. Environ. Micro. 70:6611-6618. doi: 10.1128/AEM.70.11.6611-6618.2004
Reece KS, Ribeiro WL, Gaffney PM, Carnegie RB and SK Allen Jr. (2004) Microsatellite marker development and analysis in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica: Confirmation of null alleles and non-Mendelian segregation ratios. J. Heredity. 95:346-352. doi: 10.1093/jhered/esh058
Brown G, Hudson KL and KS Reece (2004) Multiple polymorphic sites at the ITS and ATAN loci in cultured isolates of Perkinsus marinus. J. Eukary Micro. 51:312-320. doi: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2004.tb00572.x
Casas SM, Grau A, Reece KS, Apakupakul K, Azevedo C and A Villalba (2004) Perkinsus mediterraneus n. sp. a protistan parasite of the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis (L.) from the coast of Balearic Islands, Mediterranean Sea. Dis. Aquat. Org. 58:231-244. doi: 10.3354/dao058231
Earnhart CG, Vogelbein MA, Brown GD, Reece KS and SL Kaattari (2004) Supplementation of Perkinsus marinus cultures with host plasma or tissue homogenate enhances their infectivity. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70: 421-432. doi: 10.1128/AEM.70.1.421-431.2004
Elston R, Dungan C, Meyers T and KS Reece (2004) Perkinsus sp. infection risk for Manila clams, Venerupis philippinarum (Admas and Reeve, 1850) on the Pacific coast of North and Central America. J. Shellfish. Res. 23:101-105.
Brown G and KS Reece (2003) Isolation and characterization of serine protease gene(s) from Perkinsus marinus. Dis. Aquat. Org. 57:117-126. doi: 10.3354/dao057117
Reece KS and N. Stokes (2003) Molecular analysis of a haplosporidian parasite from cultured New England abalone Haliotis iris. Dis. Aquat. Org. 53:61-66. doi: 10.3354/dao053061
Litaker RW, Vandersea MW, Kibler SR, Reece KS, Stokes NA, Steidinger KA, Millie DF, Bendis BJ, Pigg RJ, and PA Tester (2003) Identification of Pfiesteria piscicida (Dinophycae) and Pfiesteria-like organisms using internal transcribes spacer-specific PCR assays. J. Phycol. 39:754-761. doi: 10.1046/j.1529-8817.2003.02112.x
Vogelbein WK, Lovko VJ, Shields JD, Reece KS, Mason PL, Haas LW and CC Walker (2002) Pfiesteria shumwayae kills fish by micropredation not exotoxin secretion. Nature 418:967-970. doi: 10.1038/nature01008
Berry JP, Reece KS, Rein KS, Baden DG, Haas LW, Ribeiro WL, Shields JD, Snyder RV, Vogelbein WK and RE Gawley (2002) Are Pfiesteria species toxicogenic? Evidence against production of ichthyotoxins by Pfiesteria shumwayae. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 99(17):10970-10975. doi: 10.1073/pnas.172221699
Dungan CF, Hamilton RM, Hudson KL, McCollough CB and KS Reece (2002) Two epizootic infectious diseases in Chesapeake Bay commercial clams Mya arenaria and Tagelus plebeius. Dis. Aquat. Org. 50:67-78. doi: 10.3354/dao050067
Reece KS, Bushek D, Hudson KL and JE Graves (2001) Geographic distribution of Perkinsus marinus genetic strains along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the USA. Mar. Biol. 139:1047-1055. doi: 10.1007/s002270100657
Reece KS, Bushek D and JE Graves (1997) Molecular markers for population genetic analysis of Perkinsus marinus. Mol. Mar. Biol. Biotechnol. 6(3):197-206.
Reece KS, Siddall M, Burreson EM and JE Graves (1997) Phylogenetic analysis of Perkinsus based upon actin gene sequences. J. Parasitol. 83(3):417-423.
Siddall ME, Reece KS, Graves JE and EM Burreson (1997) “Total evidence” refutes the inclusion of Perkinsus species in the phylum Apicomplexa. Parasitology 115:165-176.
Reece KS and GJ Phillips (1995) New plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance cassettes. Gene 165:141-142.

Courses Taught

MS 698 Shellfish Health and the Environment
MS 673 Marine Molecular Genetics (lecture)
MS 673 Marine Molecular Genetics (laboratory)

Current Students

Research Associates

Corinne Audemard, Senior Research Scientist

Research Staff

Brody Graham
Alanna MacIntyre
Gail P. Scott, Laboratory Manager
Mika Ulewicz
Mary Ann Vogelbein

Faculty Awards

Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action Teaching Award, 2023
Kenneth K. Chew Endowed Visiting Professorship in Aquaculture, University of Washington, 2018
VIMS Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award, 2018
Class of 1964 Distinguished Associate Professor of Marine Science, 2004-2007
Plumeri Award for Faculty Excellence 2008-2010

Professional Memberships

American Society of Parasitology
Society of Protozoologists
National Shellfisheries Association

Collaborative / Interdisciplinary Efforts

Harmful algal bloom species research with Drs. Vogelbein and Harris
Hematodinium spp. studies with Drs. Shields and Al Place (UMBI)
Perkinsus spp. descriptions with Christopher Dungan (MD DNR)
Bivalve parasite research with Dr. Carnegie
Environmental microbiological studies with Dr. Audemard
Development of antibody-based biosensors for PFAS with Dr. Unger