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Cherie McKeeman, PhD

I am a geneticist interested in using genetics to understand the relationships between species and their environments. 

Professional Experience

  • 2022 - Present    Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK

  • 2018 - 2019         Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University, Portland, OR

  • 2017 - 2018         Adjunct Instructor, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, CA

  • 2011 – 2013         Volunteer Coordinator and Field Assistant, The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Chapter, Poultney, VT

  • 2009 - 2010        Ecological Management Assistant, The Nature Conservancy, Eastern New York Chapter, Albany, NY

  • 2008 – 2009       Groundfish Observer: Saltwater Inc., Anchorage, AK

Education and Certifications

  • PhD  2020   University of Northern British Columbia    Natural Resources and Environmental Science

  • MS  2013      Green Mountain College    Environmental Studies

  • MS  2007     Southern Connecticut State University    Special Education

  • BS  2004      Butler University    Biology and Secondary Education

Honors and Awards

  • 2018: UNBC Doctoral Dissertation Completion Award

  • 2013 – 2016: UNBC Doctoral Tuition Scholarship

  • 2014: UNBC Three-minute Thesis Competition Winner

Science and Products

Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models

This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
By
Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory

Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models

The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PC
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
By
Alaska Science Center

Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon

The development and application of approaches to detect and quantify environmental DNA (eDNA) have potential to improve our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar and Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Here, we review 61 articles focusing on eDNA applications pertaining to salmon occupying natural habitat and aquaculture facilities in the context of a
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Eleni Leto Petrou, Damian M. Menning, Ora L. Russ, Andrés López
By
Alaska Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Mosher, C. M., Johnson, C. J., & Murray, B. W. (2022). Reduced genetic diversity associated with the northern expansion of an amphibian species with high habitat specialization, Ascaphus truei, resolved using two types of genetic markers. Ecology and Evolution, 12, e8716. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8716
Mosher, C. M., Johnson C. J., Murray B. W., Todd, M. (2021). Environmental influences on the larval density and age-class distribution of Ascaphus truei near the northern extent of its range. Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(4), 1015-1025.

**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

  • Data

    Molecular Sexing of Birds Using Quantitative PCR (qPCR) of Sex-Linked Genes and Logistic Models

    This dataset provides cycle threshold (Ct) values achieved during qPCR for 6 sex-linked genes, and two autosomal genes, for individuals from 60 species and across 13 orders of birds.
    By
    Alaska Science Center, Molecular Ecology Laboratory
  • Publications

    Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models

    The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using quantitative PC
    Authors
    Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Celeste Scott, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Andrew M. Ramey
    By
    Alaska Science Center

    Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon

    The development and application of approaches to detect and quantify environmental DNA (eDNA) have potential to improve our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar and Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Here, we review 61 articles focusing on eDNA applications pertaining to salmon occupying natural habitat and aquaculture facilities in the context of a
    Authors
    Andrew M. Ramey, Cherie Marie Mckeeman, Eleni Leto Petrou, Damian M. Menning, Ora L. Russ, Andrés López
    By
    Alaska Science Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Mosher, C. M., Johnson, C. J., & Murray, B. W. (2022). Reduced genetic diversity associated with the northern expansion of an amphibian species with high habitat specialization, Ascaphus truei, resolved using two types of genetic markers. Ecology and Evolution, 12, e8716. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8716
    Mosher, C. M., Johnson C. J., Murray B. W., Todd, M. (2021). Environmental influences on the larval density and age-class distribution of Ascaphus truei near the northern extent of its range. Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(4), 1015-1025.

    **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.