Sara J Oyler-McCance, PhD
Dr. Sara Oyler-McCance is a Supervisory Research Geneticist at the Fort Collins Science Center. She is a conservation geneticist studying a wide variety of taxa.
As a research geneticist and director of the Fort Collins Science Center’s Molecular Ecology Lab, Dr. Oyler-McCance’s research is dedicated to the application and advancement of genetic theory and techniques to address a variety of complex questions and conservation issues facing the management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Much of her research involves questions concerning threatened and endangered species, yet some involves detection of invasive species. She uses genetic and genomic methods to investigate connectivity and to identify adaptive genetic diversity, both of which are important for ensuring persistence of species of conservation concern. She explores how species are impacted by land use change and changing climates and how to give them the best chance of surviving in a changing world. Her work also explores how to optimally manage the genetic diversity within a species (for example, through translocations) and how to best inventory what species are present and the state of species well-being, persistence, or risk (that is, population size, levels of genetic diversity).
Professional Experience
March 2023 - Present: Acting Branch Chief, Ecosystem and Organismal Ecology Branch, US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
February 1999 - Present: Research Geneticist, US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, 1999
M.S. in Wildlife Biology, University of Maine, 1993
B.S. in Biology, University of Michigan, 1991
Affiliations and Memberships*
Affiliate Faculty, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, Colorado State University
Affiliate Faculty, Fish Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University
Affiliate Faculty, Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University
Affiliate Faculty, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado, Denver
Science and Products
The genetic structure of a relict population of wood frogs
Development and characterization of thirteen microsatellite loci in Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)
Sample design effects in landscape genetics
Effects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
Rapid microsatellite identification from Illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Rapid microsatellite identification from illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Effects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
Genetic applications in avian conservation
Molecular genetic insights into the biology of Trumpeter Swans
Molecular genetics at the Fort Collins Science Center
Conservation of greater sage-grouse- a synthesis of current trends and future management
Characterization of ten microsatellite loci in the Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
The genetic structure of a relict population of wood frogs
Development and characterization of thirteen microsatellite loci in Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)
Sample design effects in landscape genetics
Effects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
Rapid microsatellite identification from Illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Rapid microsatellite identification from illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Effects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
Genetic applications in avian conservation
Molecular genetic insights into the biology of Trumpeter Swans
Molecular genetics at the Fort Collins Science Center
Conservation of greater sage-grouse- a synthesis of current trends and future management
Characterization of ten microsatellite loci in the Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
*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