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
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
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
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)
Characterization of small microsatellite loci isolated in endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) for use in non-invasive sampling
Evaluation of the genetic distinctiveness of Greater Sage-grouse in the Bi-State Planning Area
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
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Sample design effects in landscape genetics
An important research gap in landscape genetics is the impact of different field sampling designs on the ability to detect the effects of landscape pattern on gene flow. We evaluated how five different sampling regimes (random, linear, systematic, cluster, and single study site) affected the probability of correctly identifying the generating landscape process of population structure. Sampling regAuthorsSara J. Oyler-McCance, Bradley C. Fedy, Erin L. LandguthEffects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
The influence of study design on the ability to detect the effects of landscape pattern on gene flow is one of the most pressing methodological gaps in landscape genetic research. To investigate the effect of study design on landscape genetics inference, we used a spatially-explicit, individual-based program to simulate gene flow in a spatially continuous population inhabiting a landscape with graAuthorsErin L. Landguth, Bradley C. Gedy, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Andrew L. Garey, Sarah L. Emel, Matthew Mumma, Helene H. Wagner, Marie-Josée Fortin, Samuel A. CushmanRapid microsatellite identification from Illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Identification of microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), can be a time-consuming and costly investment requiring enrichment, cloning, and sequencing of candidate loci. Recently, however, high throughput sequencing (with or without prior enrichment for specific SSR loci) has been utilized to identify SSR loci. The direct "Seq-to-SSR" approach has an advantage over enrichment-based straAuthorsTodd A. Castoe, Alexander W. Poole, A. P. Jason de Koning, Kenneth L. Jones, Diana F. Tomback, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Jennifer A. Fike, Stacey L. Lance, Jeffrey W. Streicher, Eric N. Smith, David D. PollockEffects of sample size, number of markers, and allelic richness on the detection of spatial genetic pattern
The influence of study design on the ability to detect the effects of landscape pattern on gene flow is one of the most pressing methodological gaps in landscape genetic research. To investigate the effect of study design on landscape genetics inference, we used a spatially‐explicit, individual‐based program to simulate gene flow in a spatially continuous population inhabiting a landscape with graAuthorsE.L. Landguth, B.C. Fedy, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, A.L. Garey, S.L. Emel, M. Mumma, H.H. Wagner, M.-J. Fortin, S.A. CushmanRapid microsatellite identification from illumina paired-end genomic sequencing in two birds and a snake
Identification of microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), can be a time-consuming and costly investment requiring enrichment, cloning, and sequencing of candidate loci. Recently, however, high throughput sequencing (with or without prior enrichment for specific SSR loci) has been utilized to identify SSR loci. The direct “Seq-to-SSR” approach has an advantage over enrichment-based straAuthorsT.A. Castoe, A.W. Poole, A. P. J. de Koning, K.L. Jones, D.F. Tomback, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Jennifer A. Fike, S.L. Lance, J.W. Streicher, E.N. Smith, D.D. PollockGenetic applications in avian conservation
A fundamental need in conserving species and their habitats is defining distinct entities that range from individuals to species to ecosystems and beyond (Table 1; Ryder 1986, Moritz 1994, Mayden and Wood 1995, Haig and Avise 1996, Hazevoet 1996, Palumbi and Cipriano 1998, Hebert et al. 2004, Mace 2004, Wheeler et al. 2004, Armstrong and Ball 2005, Baker 2008, Ellis et al. 2010, Winker and Haig 20AuthorsSusan M. Haig, Whitcomb M. Bronaugh, Rachel S. Crowhurst, Jesse D'Elia, Collin A. Eagles-Smith, Clinton W. Epps, Brian Knaus, Mark P. Miller, Michael L. Moses, Sara Oyler-McCance, W. Douglas Robinson, Brian SidlauskasMolecular genetic insights into the biology of Trumpeter Swans
No abstract available.AuthorsSara J. Oyler-McCanceMolecular genetics at the Fort Collins Science Center
The Fort Collins Science Center operates a molecular genetic and systematics research facility (FORT Molecular Ecology Laboratory) that uses molecular genetic tools to provide genetic information needed to inform natural resource management decisions. For many wildlife species, the data generated have become increasingly important in the development of their long-term management strategies, leadinAuthorsS.J. Oyler-McCance, P.D. StevensConservation of greater sage-grouse- a synthesis of current trends and future management
Recent analyses of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations indicate substantial declines in many areas but relatively stable populations in other portions of the species? range. Sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats neces-sary to support sage-grouse are being burned by large wildfires, invaded by nonnative plants, and developed for energy resources (gas, oil, and wind). ManagemenAuthorsJohn W. Connelly, Steven T. Knick, Clait E. Braun, William L. Baker, Erik A. Beever, Thomas J. Christiansen, Kevin E. Doherty, Edward O. Garton, Christian A. Hagen, Steven E. Hanser, Douglas H. Johnson, Matthias Leu, Richard F. Miller, David E. Naugle, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, David A. Pyke, Kerry P. Reese, Michael A. Schroeder, San J. Stiver, Brett L. Walker, Michael J. WisdornCharacterization of ten microsatellite loci in the Broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selaphorus platycercus) breeds at higher elevations in the central and southern Rockies, eastern California, and Mexico and has been studied for 8 years in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Questions regarding the relatedness of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds banded together and then recaptured in close time proximity in later years led us to isolate and develop primAuthorsSara J. Oyler-McCance, Jennifer A. Fike, Tiffany Talley-Farnham, Tena Engelman, Fred EngelmanCharacterization of small microsatellite loci isolated in endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) for use in non-invasive sampling
Primers for 10 microsatellite loci were developed specifically to amplify low quantity and quality DNA in the endangered Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis). In a screen of 20 individuals from a population in Missouri, the 10 loci were found to have levels of variability ranging from seven to 18 alleles. No loci were found to be linked, although two loci revealed significant departures from Hardy–WeinberAuthorsSara J. Oyler-McCance, Jennifer A. FikeEvaluation of the genetic distinctiveness of Greater Sage-grouse in the Bi-State Planning Area
The purpose of this study was to further characterize a distinct population of Greater Sage-grouse: the population located along the border between Nevada and California (Bi-State Planning Area) and centered around the Mono Basin. This population was previously determined to be genetically distinct from other Greater Sage-grouse populations across their range. Previous genetic work focused on charAuthorsSara J. Oyler-McCance, Michael L. CasazzaNon-USGS Publications**
Oyler-McCance, S.J. 1999. Genetic and habitat factors underlying conservation strategies for Gunnison sage grouse [Dissert]. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. 162 p.**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.
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*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