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 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
- 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).
*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