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Lindsey Sanders in Kings Cayon National Park

Lindsey Sanders

I have been conducting wildlife research in the field and in the lab since 2010.  I am interested in understanding how and why human-caused habitat change affects wildlife species.  I have worked on projects ranging from avian and small mammal habitat selection in beetle-killed forest, to removal of invasive trout from high-alpine lakes for the benefit of an imperiled amphibian, to endangered shorebird and seabird nest habitat use and survival.  I have spent time working in a variety of field environments from the remote back country to the middle of active natural gas fields.  My interests are broad, though generally aimed toward an end goal of species and habitat conservation.

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When not working, I spend my time birding, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, and otherwise enjoying the great outdoors.  I also enjoy cooking, gardening and knitting.

Education

Masters of Science in Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming                                                                                   Jan 2015–Dec 2017

Advisor: Dr. Anna D. Chalfoun
Thesis: Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation near natural gas development​

  • GPA 4.00 out of 4.00

  • Relevant coursework: ornithology, quantitative analysis of field data, biological statistics, modeling resource selection and habitat-based demography, database management, programming with R, advanced topics in ecology, scientific writing

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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, University of California, Berkeley                                                                     Sept 2006–May 2010

Senior Thesis: Algerian ivy removal techniques along a riparian zone in Berkeley, CA

  • GPA: 3.57 out of 4.00

  • Relevant coursework: terrestrial resource ecology, plant biology, environmental modelling, environmental toxicology, statistics, LEED certification, wildlife identification, environmental philosophy, soil science, biology, chemistry, physics, education, senior research thesis

Publications (* Independent research mentees)

Sanders, L.E. and A.D. Chalfoun. 2019. Mechanisms underlying increased nest predation in natural gas fields: a test of the mesopredator release hypothesis.  Ecosphere, 10(5): e02738. 

 

Sanders, L.E. and A.D. Chalfoun, 2018. Novel landscape elements within natural gas fields increase densities of an important songbird nest predator.  Biological Conservation, 228: 132-141.
 

Sanders, L.E., A.D. Chalfoun, T.M. Scherr,* 2018. Inter-species nest use by a Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 130(3): 774-777.

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Carlisle, J., L. Sanders, A. Chalfoun and K. Gerow. 2018. Raptor nest-site use in relation to the proximity of coalbed-methane development. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 41(2): 227-243.

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Parsons, L., L. Sanders, A. Ryan, M. Reichmuth. 2015. Changes in the food web linked to restoration effort intensity and watershed conditions. Natural Resources, 6: 344: 362.

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Sanders, L. 2012. Algerian ivy removal techniques along a riparian zone in Berkeley, CA. Berkeley Scientific Journal, 16(2): 1-7.

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Chalfoun, A.D., T.M. Scherr* and L.E. Sanders. In prep. Why thy neighbors matter: evidence that nest partitioning decreases nest predation risk. Ecology Letters.

 

Hall, L.E., J.D. Carlisle, L.E. Sanders, T.L. McDonald, A.D. Chalfoun.  In prep. A plastic home-building strategy mediates potential thermal risk for sedentary prey.  Animal Behavior.

 

Hethcoat, M.G., L.E. Sanders and A.D. Chalfoun. In prep. Cheating death: can adaptive nest site selection mitigate an ecological trap in energy field landscapes. Global Change Biology.

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Sanders, L.E., M.L. Kenney*, and A.D. Chalfoun. In prep. Songbirds mitigate nest predation risk differentially via parental care behaviors. Behavioral Ecology.

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Sanders, L.E. and A.D. Chalfoun. In prep. Novel landscape elements within natural gas fields increase densities of an important songbird nest predator.  Biological Conservation.

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Wagler, B.L.*, L.E. Sanders, and A.D. Chalfoun. In prep. Nest predator responses to reclaimed areas on natural gas fields at the home-range scale. Animal Conservation.

Technical Reports and Theses

Hagar, J., J. Rousseau and L. Sanders. In prep. Summary of Bird Banding Efforts at Luckiamute State Natural Area 2018—2022: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report.


Sanders, L., K. Walton, M. Cline and J. Dinkins. 2021. Population assessment of western Oregon sooty grouse 2020-2022.  Annual report to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.


Chalfoun, A., L. Sanders and E. Hall. 2020. Effects of climate on non-game sagebrush bird demography and populations. Final Report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.


Chalfoun, A. and L. Sanders. 2019. Weather variability and sagebrush songbird demography.  Final report to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.


Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. 2018. Influence of energy development on sagebrush non-game birds III.  Final Report to the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. 2017. Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation near natural gas development. Final report to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

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Sanders, Lindsey E. 2017. Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation near natural gas development. Master’s thesis. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.

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Chalfoun, A., J. Carlisle, L. Sanders and K. Gerow. 2013. Analysis of temporal and spatial patterns of raptor nest occupancy in areas of coal-bed methane development in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Final Report to the Bureau of Land Management, Buffalo Field Office.

Presentations (* Independent research mentees)

Sanders, L., L.E. Hall, T. Scherr and A. Chalfoun. Extreme weather lowers productivity for a sagebrush songbird. Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Eugene, OR, February 2020 (oral presentation)


Sanders, L., L.E. Hall and A. Chalfoun. Extreme weather lengthens the incubation period and lowers productivity. American Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, Anchorage, AK, June 2019 (oral presentation) 


Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Differential avian responses to density and proximity of disturbance. Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Bend, OR, February 2019 (oral presentation)


Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Differential avian responses to density and proximity of disturbance. Joint Conference of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society and The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, Laramie, WY, November 2018 (oral presentation)

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Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Differential avian responses to density and proximity of disturbance. Oregon Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Bend, OR, February 2019 (oral presentation)

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Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Why are nest-predator abundances higher on natural gas fields? Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference, Jackson, WY, December 2017 (oral presentation)

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Sanders, L., M. Kenney*, and A. Chalfoun. Sagebrush songbirds mitigate nest predation risk via parental care. Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference, Jackson, WY, December 2017 (poster)

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Wagler, B.*, L. Sanders, and A. Chalfoun. Nest predator responses to reclaimed areas on natural gas fields at the home-range scale. Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference, Jackson, WY, December 2017 (oral presentation)

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Chalfoun, A., M. Hethcoat, and L. Sanders. Natural gas fields as ecological traps for nesting sagebrush songbirds. Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society Conference, Jackson, WY, December 2017 (oral presentation)

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Chalfoun, A., M. Hethcoat, and L. Sanders. Natural gas fields as ecological traps for nesting sagebrush songbirds. Joint Conference of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, East Lansing, MI., August 2017 (oral presentation)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. What is sustaining higher abundance of nest predators within natural gas fields? Joint Conference of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists, East Lansing, MI., August 2017 (oral presentation)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Who ate my babies? Mechanisms underlying increased nest predation near energy development. Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Annual Cooperators Meeting, Laramie, WY, April 2017 (oral presentation)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Is a mesopredator release underlying increased songbird nest predation rates near natural gas development? Joint Conference of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society and The Society for Range Management, Cody, WY, November 2016 (oral presentation)

 

Wagler, B.*, L. Sanders and A. Chalfoun. Identifying a mechanistic response to energy development: are reclaimed areas augmenting small mammal body condition and abundance? Joint Conference of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society and The Society for Range Management, Cody, WY, November 2016 (poster)

 

Kenney, M.*, L. Sanders and A. Chalfoun. Persnickety parents: how parental care behaviors affect songbird nest success. Joint Conference of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society and The Society for Range Management, Cody, WY, November 2016 (poster)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Is a mesopredator release underlying increased songbird nest predation rates near natural gas development? North American Ornithological Conference, Washington D.C., August 2016 (oral presentation)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation rates with natural gas development. Joint Conference of the Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society and The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative, Lander, WY, December 2015 (poster)

 

Sanders, L. and A. Chalfoun. Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation with natural gas development. Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Annual Cooperators Meeting, Cheyenne, WY, April 2015 (oral presentation)

 

Sanders, L., J.Carlisle, A. Chalfoun, K. Gerow. Raptor nest occupancy in relation to coal-bed methane development in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The Wildlife Society 19th Annual Conference, Portland, OR, October 2012 (poster)

Research Experience

Assistant District Wildlife Biologist, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife                                                                         June 2023–present

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Biological Science Technician, U.S. Geological Survey                                                                                                         Oct 2022–June 2023

 

Assistant Project Manager / Wildlife Biologist, Turnstone Environmental Consultants, Inc.                                                         Jan–Oct 2022

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Faculty Research Assistant, Oregon State University                                                                                                          March 2020–July 2021

 

Academic Professional Research Scientist, University of Wyoming                                                                                      Sept 2018–Jan 2020

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Marbled Murrelet Technician, Oregon State University                                                                                                                April–Aug 2018

 

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Wyoming                                                                                                             Jan 2015–Dec 2017​

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Sierra Nevada Red Fox Technician, University of California, Davis                                                                                                 July–Oct 2014

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Biological Science Tech, GS-5, USGS N. Prairie Wildlife Research Center                                                                                  April–July 2014

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Biological Science Tech, GS-5, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park                                                                                        June–Sept 2013

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Prairie-Chicken Research Technician, University of Nebraska                                                                                                    March–May 2013

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Avian Point Count Technician, PRBO Conservation Science                                                                                                        April–Aug 2012

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Statistical Research Assistant, Wyoming Cooperative Research Unit                                                                                  Oct 2011–April 2012

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Bird and Small Mammal Technician, Wyoming Cooperative Research Unit                                                                               June–Sept 2011

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Restoration Intern, Point Reyes National Seashore                                                                                                                Oct 2011–May 2012

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Pika Research Technician, Wyoming Cooperative Research Unit                                                                                                June–Sept 2010

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Interpretive Student Aide, East Bay Regional Park District                                                                                                  Sept 2007–May 2010

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Environmental Protection Assistant II, UCB Environmental Health & Safety                                                                      Sept 2009–May 2010

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Mentorship

Independent Research Mentor, University of Wyoming                                                                      

Mentored three students with independent research projects.  Mentorship included helping with: developing research questions, establishing protocols for answering those questions, applying for grant money, collecting data, analyzing data, presenting research at professional conferences, and preparing manuscripts for publication.

 

Undergraduate Student                                                                                                                                                           Sept 2015–May 2017

  • Senior Thesis: Persnickety parents: how parental care behavior affects songbird nest success.

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Undergraduate Student                                                                                                                                                             Jan 2016–Dec 2017

  • Senior Thesis: Do reclaimed areas within natural gas fields augment deer mice body condition and abundance?

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Research Assistant                                                                                                                                                                           March–Dec 2016

  • Independent Project: Why thy neighbors matter: evidence that nest partitioning decreases nest predation risk

Outreach

Laramie Girl Scouts                                                                                                                                                                           April–July 2017

  • Developed and implemented a nest box monitoring program for the Laramie Girl Scouts

  • Through this program, we taught girls about avian biology and conservation, and brought them into the field for 11 weeks during the summer to help monitor tree swallow nest boxes.  Scouts helped collect data, and together created a presentation about their experience which they gave at a public Laramie Audubon Society meeting

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STEM Own It! Pop-Up Discovery Center                                                                                                                                                 April 2017

  • Developed and staffed a program through the WY Coop Research Unit for this one-night event.

  • Program included a hands-on table for high school and college students to learn about wildlife

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Laramie High School                                                                                                                                                                               March 2017

  • Developed and taught a three-day long curriculum for high school students 

  • Curriculum taught students about the scientific process, and allowed them to develop research questions, collect data, view results, and formulate conclusions based on their results.

  • Curriculum was made available to the Biodiversity Institute for future use in other classrooms

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Beitel Elementary                                                                                                                                                                                       April 2016

  • Developed and taught a 2-hour lesson plan for a fourth grade class about predator prey dynamics

  • Lesson included discussion of what predators and prey are, food chains, and a group activity to see how predator and prey dynamics change with food availability

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Wyoming State Science Fair                                                                                                                                                                   March 2016

  • Co-organized and implemented three 1-hour workshops for elementary students across Wyoming participating in the State Science Fair 

  • Workshops helped students become more comfortable presenting their results to the public

Media Coverage

National Audubon, magazine                                                                                                                                                                    Nov 2017

Title: In sagebrush country, drilling brings nest-raiding rodents

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University of Wyoming, alumni magazine                                                                                                                                                 Nov 2017

Title: Of Mice and Birds – how sagebrush habitat loss contributes to predation of sagebrush songbirds

Professional Services

Committees and Boards                                                                                                                    

Administrative Assistant Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society                                                                                        Feb 2021–Apr 2022

  • Conduct monthly bookkeeping for a 501(c)3 non-profit

  • Coordinate registration and logistics for member events; prepare documents in advance of board meetings and member events; maintain electronic records and files on a shared Google Drive; manage Google Suite Admin account

  • Answer public inquires; maintain public website; send email communications to member listserv; follow-up on action items after board meetings; order office supplies

  • Implement password and financial data security procedures

  • Write and distributed announcements via blog and FB page

  • Participate in Self Equity Audit and Operation Manual update

 

Treasurer, Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society Executive Board                                                                                   Feb 2019–Feb 2021

  • Manage chapter finances, including making all payments, updating annual budgets and maintaining the chapter's fiscal health

  • Make financial analyses and recommendations to the chapter

  • Prepare income tax report forms and annual financial reports

  • Coordinate registration for the annual meeting and workshops

 

Membership Coordinator, Laramie Audubon Society Board of Directors                                                                           Nov 2015–Dec 2017

  • Coordinated membership info, tracked member payments, outreach to community to recruit new members

  • Worked with other board members to develop education programs and field trips, led field trips, organized speakers to present at monthly public meetings, participated in discussions of where to spend funds to make largest impact on avian conservation in our community

 

Small Grants Committee Chair, Laramie Audubon Society Board of Directors                                                               March 2016–Dec 2017

  • Reviewed grant applications bi-annually and worked with committee to select conservation and outreach projects for funding

 

Symposia Organized                                                                                                                         

Joint Conference of the American Ornithological Society and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists                                           Aug 2017

Symposium Title: “Mechanisms underlying avian decline near energy development”

Memberships and Affiliations

American Ornithological Society                                                                                                                                            March 2015–present

 

Laramie Audubon Society                                                                                                                                                         Jan 2015–Aug 2018

 

Northwestern Scientific Association                                                                                                                                            Feb 2018–present

 

The Wildlife Society                                                                                                                           

            Oregon Chapter, Member                                                                                                                                                Jan 2018–present

            Wyoming Chapter, Member                                                                                                                                            Nov 2015–present

            National Member                                                                                                                                                             Nov 2011–present

Scholarships and Awards

American Ornithological Society, Travel Award                                                                                                                                      June 2019

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American Ornithological Society, Travel Award                                                                                                                                      June 2017

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University of Wyoming, Reed W. Fautin Memorial Scholarship                                                                                                             April 2017

 

The Wildlife Society, Graduate Student Scholarship                                                                                                                               Dec 2016

 

The Wildlife Society, Travel Award                                                                                                                                                            Dec 2016

 

Association of Field Ornithologists, Travel Award                                                                                                                                    Aug 2016

 

NASA Space Grant Consortium, Travel Award                                                                                                                                         Aug 2016

Grants Received

Pittman-Robertson Grant                                                                                                                                                                          Nov 2019 
Population Assessment of Western Oregon Sooty Grouse; $314,859


Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition Grant                                                                                                                      June 2017

Sagebrush songbirds, climate, and energy development; $15,000

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Biodiversity Institute Research Grant                                                                                                                                                       April 2017

Mechanisms underlying increased songbird nest predation rates with natural gas development; $4,500

© 2017 by Lindsey E. Sanders

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