Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology LabSara Oyler-McCance uses a pipette to complete research in the FORT Molecular Ecology Lab.
Sara J Oyler-McCance, PhD
Dr. Sara Oyler-McCance is a Supervisory Research Geneticist and Branch Chief for the Ecosystem and Organismal Ecology Branch at the Fort Collins Science Center. She is a conservation geneticist studying a wide variety of taxa.
The Molecular Ecology Lab
The Molecular Ecology Lab
The FORT Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and conservation issues facing the management of fish and wildlife resources. Together with partners, they design and implement studies to document genetic diversity and the distribution of genetic variation among individuals, populations, and species.
Highlighted Research
Highlighted Research
- Genome-wide adaptive divergence and conservation translocation
- Genetic connectivity in the Arizona toad (Anaxyrus microscaphus)
- Using fecal DNA to estimate feral horse population size
- A genetic warning system for a wildlife monitoring framework
- Genetic insights into mating strategies of the American black swift
- The transformative impact of genomics on sage-grouse conservation and management
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling improves estimates of invasive Burmese pythons
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. Some of her research involves questions concerning species of conservation concern, 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 in changing landscapes. She uses state-of-the-art technology (for example, novel environmental DNA applications) to detect important invasive species. 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).
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Ecosystem change science in support of wildfire management, water conservation, public land reclamation, and food security
FORT researchers provide sound science to support the Department of the Interior in its efforts to manage wildfires, conserve water, reclaim public lands for multiple uses, and promote food security. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal and Tribal governments, industry, and nongovernmental organizations, empowering local and rural communities...
Research to support conservation of America’s national mammal, the bison
Once numbering in the tens of millions, plains bison ( Bison bison bison) were nearly driven to extinction with only a few hundred individuals remaining by the late 19th century. Plains bison have since recovered to approximately 20,000 animals managed in conservation herds throughout North America, yet substantial challenges to their recovery remain. The Department of the Interior (DOI) stewards...
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards
Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
Fish and wildlife science in support of heritage preservation, efficient decision making, wild ungulate management, and outdoor recreation
FORT researchers provide sound science to support the Department of Interior in its efforts to preserve American heritage, streamline species listing decisions and promote species recovery, manage wild horses and burros using efficient, cost-effective tools, and sustain hunting and fishing on public lands. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal...
Invasive species science in support of public safety, America’s natural resources, and economic growth
FORT invasive species researchers provide sound, reliable science to support the Department of the Interior in its goals of ensuring public safety and security, protecting America’s lands and waters, and aiding economic growth. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal and Tribal governments, industry, and nongovernmental organizations, empowering...
Developing and evaluating a point-of-use environmental DNA test for rapid field detection of highly invasive brown treesnakes
New terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling techniques are sensitive tools for early detection of the highly invasive brown treesnakes (BTS). In a new collaborative research effort involving four USGS science centers, scientists have initiated the development of an innovative point-of-use (POU) assay for BTS. POU assays are tests that can be run in the field with minimal equipment and no...
Fort Collins Science Center Labs and Facilities
The Fort Collins Science Center has scientists working in several diverse locations as well as three in house highly specialized laboratories, studying subjects from molecular ecology to brown treesnakes, dendroecology to streamflows, and macroinvertebrate species to Burmese pythons. Our extraordinary scientists work in each of these locations advancing studies in their particular areas of study...
Characterizing greater sage-grouse climate-driven maladaptation
Climate change will expose many species to novel extreme environmental conditions, that may test organisms’ ability to respond to environmental change. Local adaptation, when a species evolves to be more suited for its local environment, can be an indicator of whether a species is likely to persist in the rapidly changing environment. Habitat specialists, like the greater sage-grouse, have evolved...
Characterizing the environmental drivers of range-wide gene flow for greater sage-grouse
Widespread anthropogenic development in the sagebrush steppe and shifting drought and wildfire patterns have contributed to the observed dramatic declines of the greater sage-grouse since the 1960s. Alteration of the sagebrush habitat can affect many aspects of the species life history, including survival and local resource use. Over many years, the combined effects of landscape composition on...
Development and application of genomic resources for the greater sage-grouse
The greater sage-grouse is a sagebrush-obligate species that has experienced dramatic range-wide declines since the 1960s, causing significant conservation concern. Genetic information has refined our understanding of population structure, the levels of inbreeding or relatedness, allowed the ability to monitor for change over time, and has been used to understand the outcome of management actions...
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information to support conservation and land management actions
Sage-grouse, iconic birds of the American West, have experienced dramatic reductions and fragmentation of habitat, resulting in significant conservation concern. Genetic information can help inform priorities for protection and habitat restoration as well as strategies for translocations, but may be difficult for resource managers to find, interpret, and use in their decision making. In this work...
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology LabSara Oyler-McCance uses a pipette to complete research in the FORT Molecular Ecology Lab.
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology LabFORT researchers Sara Oyler-McCance and Jenny Fike discuss genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab.
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology LabFORT researchers Sara Oyler-McCance and Jenny Fike discuss genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab.
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology LabLaboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology LabLaboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 22
Molecular Ecology Lab (MEL)
The Molecular Ecology Laboratory applies innovative genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and issues facing the Nation's natural resources. While we continually update the scale and efficiency of laboratory procedures to meet stakeholder needs, we must also be innovative and flexible in addressing those needs that have no off-the-shelf solution. We help...
Ecosystem change science in support of wildfire management, water conservation, public land reclamation, and food security
FORT researchers provide sound science to support the Department of the Interior in its efforts to manage wildfires, conserve water, reclaim public lands for multiple uses, and promote food security. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal and Tribal governments, industry, and nongovernmental organizations, empowering local and rural communities...
Research to support conservation of America’s national mammal, the bison
Once numbering in the tens of millions, plains bison ( Bison bison bison) were nearly driven to extinction with only a few hundred individuals remaining by the late 19th century. Plains bison have since recovered to approximately 20,000 animals managed in conservation herds throughout North America, yet substantial challenges to their recovery remain. The Department of the Interior (DOI) stewards...
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards
Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
Fish and wildlife science in support of heritage preservation, efficient decision making, wild ungulate management, and outdoor recreation
FORT researchers provide sound science to support the Department of Interior in its efforts to preserve American heritage, streamline species listing decisions and promote species recovery, manage wild horses and burros using efficient, cost-effective tools, and sustain hunting and fishing on public lands. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal...
Invasive species science in support of public safety, America’s natural resources, and economic growth
FORT invasive species researchers provide sound, reliable science to support the Department of the Interior in its goals of ensuring public safety and security, protecting America’s lands and waters, and aiding economic growth. This research is developed in partnership with resource managers from local, State, Federal and Tribal governments, industry, and nongovernmental organizations, empowering...
Developing and evaluating a point-of-use environmental DNA test for rapid field detection of highly invasive brown treesnakes
New terrestrial environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling techniques are sensitive tools for early detection of the highly invasive brown treesnakes (BTS). In a new collaborative research effort involving four USGS science centers, scientists have initiated the development of an innovative point-of-use (POU) assay for BTS. POU assays are tests that can be run in the field with minimal equipment and no...
Fort Collins Science Center Labs and Facilities
The Fort Collins Science Center has scientists working in several diverse locations as well as three in house highly specialized laboratories, studying subjects from molecular ecology to brown treesnakes, dendroecology to streamflows, and macroinvertebrate species to Burmese pythons. Our extraordinary scientists work in each of these locations advancing studies in their particular areas of study...
Characterizing greater sage-grouse climate-driven maladaptation
Climate change will expose many species to novel extreme environmental conditions, that may test organisms’ ability to respond to environmental change. Local adaptation, when a species evolves to be more suited for its local environment, can be an indicator of whether a species is likely to persist in the rapidly changing environment. Habitat specialists, like the greater sage-grouse, have evolved...
Characterizing the environmental drivers of range-wide gene flow for greater sage-grouse
Widespread anthropogenic development in the sagebrush steppe and shifting drought and wildfire patterns have contributed to the observed dramatic declines of the greater sage-grouse since the 1960s. Alteration of the sagebrush habitat can affect many aspects of the species life history, including survival and local resource use. Over many years, the combined effects of landscape composition on...
Development and application of genomic resources for the greater sage-grouse
The greater sage-grouse is a sagebrush-obligate species that has experienced dramatic range-wide declines since the 1960s, causing significant conservation concern. Genetic information has refined our understanding of population structure, the levels of inbreeding or relatedness, allowed the ability to monitor for change over time, and has been used to understand the outcome of management actions...
Synthesis of sage-grouse genetic information to support conservation and land management actions
Sage-grouse, iconic birds of the American West, have experienced dramatic reductions and fragmentation of habitat, resulting in significant conservation concern. Genetic information can help inform priorities for protection and habitat restoration as well as strategies for translocations, but may be difficult for resource managers to find, interpret, and use in their decision making. In this work...
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology LabSara Oyler-McCance uses a pipette to complete research in the FORT Molecular Ecology Lab.
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Sara Oyler-McCance working in the Molecular Ecology LabSara Oyler-McCance uses a pipette to complete research in the FORT Molecular Ecology Lab.
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology LabFORT researchers Sara Oyler-McCance and Jenny Fike discuss genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab.
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Researchers look at genetic data in the Molecular Ecology LabFORT researchers Sara Oyler-McCance and Jenny Fike discuss genetic data in the Molecular Ecology Lab.
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology LabLaboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab at the Fort Collins Science Center.
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab
Laboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology LabLaboratory manager Jennifer Fike working in the Molecular Ecology Lab at the Fort Collins Science Center.
*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