Sarah A Sonsthagen, PhD
Assistant Unit Leader - Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Sarah joined the Nebraska Cooperative Unit in 2020 from the U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center where she studied the evolutionary relationships among Arctic vertebrate populations. Her research focuses on investigating ecological drivers of connectivity and adaptive capacity of species of conservation concern using both field- and laboratory-based methods. Movement underlies many key processes in ecology and evolution and is critical for species response to environmental change, as such, she applies population and community driven approaches to evaluate genomic and demographic connectivity across the landscape, adaptive capacity, and the influence of species biology in shaping spatial and temporal genomic diversity to inform management decisions. Sarah has taught Population genetics, Application of genomics in conservation, and Ornithology.
Sarah was a post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History and National Zoo, awarded her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from University of Alaska Fairbanks, M.S. in Zoology from Brigham Young University, and B.S. in Biology from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Professional Experience
2013 - 2021, Research Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center
2015 - Present, Research Associate, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
2009 - Present, Affiliate Faculty, University
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2006 University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK
M.S. 2002 Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
B.S. 2000 University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
Affiliations and Memberships*
Sea Duck Joint Venture Continental Technical Team Member
Wilson Ornithological Society Research Grants Review Committee Member
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 20
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Filter Total Items: 76
Genetic structure and viability selection in the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a vagile raptor with a Holarctic distribution Genetic structure and viability selection in the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a vagile raptor with a Holarctic distribution
Molecular markers can reveal interesting aspects of organismal ecology and evolution, especially when surveyed in rare or elusive species. Herein, we provide a preliminary assessment of golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population structure in North America using novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These SNPs included one molecular sexing marker, two mitochondrial markers, 85...
Authors
Jacqueline M. Doyle, Todd E. Katzner, Gary Roemer, James W. Cain, Brian Millsap, Carol McIntyre, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Nadia B. Fernandez, Maria Wheeler, Zafer Bulut, Peter Bloom, J. Andrew DeWoody
Re-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus Re-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus
Islands provide refuges for populations of many species where they find safety from predators, but the introduction of predators frequently results in elimination or dramatic reductions in island-dwelling organisms. When predators are removed, re-colonization for some species occurs naturally, and inter-island phylogeographic relationships and current movement patterns can illuminate...
Authors
Margaret R. Petersen, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Matthew G. Sexson
High frequency of extra-pair paternity in an urban population of Cooper's Hawks High frequency of extra-pair paternity in an urban population of Cooper's Hawks
Raptors exhibit some of the highest rates of intra-pair copulations among birds, perhaps in an attempt by males to reduce the risk of being cuckolded. Indeed, the frequency of extra-pair fertilizations reported in studies of raptors to date is relatively low (0-11.2%). Socially monogamous Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) exhibit one of the highest copulation rates among birds, yet...
Authors
Robert N. Rosenfield, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, William C. Stout, Sandra L. Talbot
Dispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds Dispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds
Samples were collected from wild birds in western Alaska to assess dispersal of influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America. Two isolates shared nearly identical nucleotide identity at eight genomic segments with H9N2 viruses isolated from China and South Korea providing evidence for intercontinental dispersal by migratory birds.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Joshua L. Teslaa, Sean W. Nashold, Tyrone F. Donnelly, Bruce Casler, Jeffrey S. Hall
Phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini) Phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini)
Many environments occupied by North American sea ducks are remote and difficult to access, and as a result, detailed information about life history characteristics that drive population dynamics within and across species is limited. Nevertheless, progress on this front during the past several decades has benefited by the application of genetic technologies, and for several species, these
Authors
Sandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, John M. Pearce, Kim T. Scribner
Spatial genetic structure of bristle-thighed curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): Breeding area differentiation not reflected on the non-breeding grounds Spatial genetic structure of bristle-thighed curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): Breeding area differentiation not reflected on the non-breeding grounds
Migratory birds occupy geographically and ecologically disparate areas during their annual cycle with conditions on breeding and non-breeding grounds playing separate and important roles in population dynamics. We used data from nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA control region loci to assess the breeding and non-breeding spatial genetic structure of a transoceanic migrant...
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill, Ian S. Williams, Sandra L. Talbot
Non-USGS Publications**
Pons, J.-M., S.A. Sonsthagen, C. Dove, P.A. Crochet. 2014. Extensive mitochondrial introgression in North American Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) from the American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) with little nuclear DNA impact. Heredity. 112:226–239. doi:10.1038/hdy.2013.98
Wilson, R.E., M.D. Eaton, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.L. Peters, K.P. Johnson, B. Simarra, and K.G. McCracken. 2011. Speciation and subspecies divergence in Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal. Condor. 13:747–761.
Cibois, A., J.S. Beadell, G.R. Graves, E. Pasquet, B. Slika, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.-C. Thibault, and R.C. Fleischer. 2011. Charting the course of reed-warblers across the Pacific islands. Journal of Biogeography. 38:1963–1975.
Driskell, A.C., J.A. Norman, S. Pruett-Jones, E. Mangall, S.A. Sonsthagen, L. Christidis. 2011. A multigene phylogeny examining evolutionary and ecological relationships in the Australo-Papuan wrens of the subfamily Malurinae (Aves). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 60:480–485.
McCracken, K.G., C.P. Barger, M. Bulgarella, K.P. Johnson, S.A. Sonsthagen, T.H. Valqui, R.E. Wilson, K. Winker, and M.D. Sorenson. 2009. Parallel adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in the major hemoglobin of eight Andean duck species. Molecular Ecology. 18:3992–4005.
Cooper, S.J., and S. Sonsthagen. 2007. Heat production from foraging activity contributes to thermoregulation in Black-capped Chickadees. Condor. 109:446–451.
Wilson, R.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, C.P. Barger, and K.G. McCracken. 2007. Asymmetric molt or feather wear in Flying Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus) from coastal habitats in Argentina. Ornitologia Neotropical. 18:293–300.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–I. Annual movements. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:239–251.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–II. Annual habitats. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:252–259.
Gustavson, K.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, R. Crunkilton, and J.M. Harkin. 2000. Groundwater toxicity assessment using bioassay, chemical, and TIE analyses. Environmental Toxicology. 15:421–430.
Rosenfield, R.N., J. Bielefeldt, S. Sonsthagen, and T. Booms. 2000. Comparable reproductive success at conifer plantation and non-plantation nest sites for Cooper’s Hawks in Wisconsin. Wilson Bulletin. 112:417–421.
**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
Filter Total Items: 20
No Result Found
Filter Total Items: 76
Genetic structure and viability selection in the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a vagile raptor with a Holarctic distribution Genetic structure and viability selection in the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a vagile raptor with a Holarctic distribution
Molecular markers can reveal interesting aspects of organismal ecology and evolution, especially when surveyed in rare or elusive species. Herein, we provide a preliminary assessment of golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population structure in North America using novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These SNPs included one molecular sexing marker, two mitochondrial markers, 85...
Authors
Jacqueline M. Doyle, Todd E. Katzner, Gary Roemer, James W. Cain, Brian Millsap, Carol McIntyre, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Nadia B. Fernandez, Maria Wheeler, Zafer Bulut, Peter Bloom, J. Andrew DeWoody
Re-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus Re-colonization by common eiders Somateria mollissima in the Aleutian Archipelago following removal of introduced arctic foxes Vulpes lagopus
Islands provide refuges for populations of many species where they find safety from predators, but the introduction of predators frequently results in elimination or dramatic reductions in island-dwelling organisms. When predators are removed, re-colonization for some species occurs naturally, and inter-island phylogeographic relationships and current movement patterns can illuminate...
Authors
Margaret R. Petersen, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Matthew G. Sexson
High frequency of extra-pair paternity in an urban population of Cooper's Hawks High frequency of extra-pair paternity in an urban population of Cooper's Hawks
Raptors exhibit some of the highest rates of intra-pair copulations among birds, perhaps in an attempt by males to reduce the risk of being cuckolded. Indeed, the frequency of extra-pair fertilizations reported in studies of raptors to date is relatively low (0-11.2%). Socially monogamous Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) exhibit one of the highest copulation rates among birds, yet...
Authors
Robert N. Rosenfield, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, William C. Stout, Sandra L. Talbot
Dispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds Dispersal of H9N2 influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America by wild birds
Samples were collected from wild birds in western Alaska to assess dispersal of influenza A viruses between East Asia and North America. Two isolates shared nearly identical nucleotide identity at eight genomic segments with H9N2 viruses isolated from China and South Korea providing evidence for intercontinental dispersal by migratory birds.
Authors
Andrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, Joshua L. Teslaa, Sean W. Nashold, Tyrone F. Donnelly, Bruce Casler, Jeffrey S. Hall
Phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini) Phylogenetics, phylogeography and population genetics of North American sea ducks (tribe: Mergini)
Many environments occupied by North American sea ducks are remote and difficult to access, and as a result, detailed information about life history characteristics that drive population dynamics within and across species is limited. Nevertheless, progress on this front during the past several decades has benefited by the application of genetic technologies, and for several species, these
Authors
Sandra L. Talbot, Sarah A. Sonsthagen, John M. Pearce, Kim T. Scribner
Spatial genetic structure of bristle-thighed curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): Breeding area differentiation not reflected on the non-breeding grounds Spatial genetic structure of bristle-thighed curlews (Numenius tahitiensis): Breeding area differentiation not reflected on the non-breeding grounds
Migratory birds occupy geographically and ecologically disparate areas during their annual cycle with conditions on breeding and non-breeding grounds playing separate and important roles in population dynamics. We used data from nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA control region loci to assess the breeding and non-breeding spatial genetic structure of a transoceanic migrant...
Authors
Sarah A. Sonsthagen, T. Lee Tibbitts, Robert E. Gill, Ian S. Williams, Sandra L. Talbot
Non-USGS Publications**
Pons, J.-M., S.A. Sonsthagen, C. Dove, P.A. Crochet. 2014. Extensive mitochondrial introgression in North American Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) from the American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) with little nuclear DNA impact. Heredity. 112:226–239. doi:10.1038/hdy.2013.98
Wilson, R.E., M.D. Eaton, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.L. Peters, K.P. Johnson, B. Simarra, and K.G. McCracken. 2011. Speciation and subspecies divergence in Cinnamon Teal and Blue-winged Teal. Condor. 13:747–761.
Cibois, A., J.S. Beadell, G.R. Graves, E. Pasquet, B. Slika, S.A. Sonsthagen, J.-C. Thibault, and R.C. Fleischer. 2011. Charting the course of reed-warblers across the Pacific islands. Journal of Biogeography. 38:1963–1975.
Driskell, A.C., J.A. Norman, S. Pruett-Jones, E. Mangall, S.A. Sonsthagen, L. Christidis. 2011. A multigene phylogeny examining evolutionary and ecological relationships in the Australo-Papuan wrens of the subfamily Malurinae (Aves). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 60:480–485.
McCracken, K.G., C.P. Barger, M. Bulgarella, K.P. Johnson, S.A. Sonsthagen, T.H. Valqui, R.E. Wilson, K. Winker, and M.D. Sorenson. 2009. Parallel adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia in the major hemoglobin of eight Andean duck species. Molecular Ecology. 18:3992–4005.
Cooper, S.J., and S. Sonsthagen. 2007. Heat production from foraging activity contributes to thermoregulation in Black-capped Chickadees. Condor. 109:446–451.
Wilson, R.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, C.P. Barger, and K.G. McCracken. 2007. Asymmetric molt or feather wear in Flying Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres patachonicus) from coastal habitats in Argentina. Ornitologia Neotropical. 18:293–300.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–I. Annual movements. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:239–251.
Sonsthagen, S.A., R. Rodriguez, and C.M. White. 2006. Satellite telemetry of Northern Goshawks breeding in Utah–II. Annual habitats. Studies in Avian Biology. 31:252–259.
Gustavson, K.E., S.A. Sonsthagen, R. Crunkilton, and J.M. Harkin. 2000. Groundwater toxicity assessment using bioassay, chemical, and TIE analyses. Environmental Toxicology. 15:421–430.
Rosenfield, R.N., J. Bielefeldt, S. Sonsthagen, and T. Booms. 2000. Comparable reproductive success at conifer plantation and non-plantation nest sites for Cooper’s Hawks in Wisconsin. Wilson Bulletin. 112:417–421.
**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