Sarah Currier

Graduate Research Assistant/Quail Research

After graduating in 2017 from Westfield State University, Sarah Currier immediately began technician work in the wildlife field. She worked in Adirondack State Park where she conducted research on the moose population. She also researched songbirds in tropical Costa Rica as part of an educational outreach program. Later, she conducted ungulate research around the U.S. until she accepted a position at A&M-Commerce as a graduate research assistant.

A Conversation with Sarah

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

A&M-Commerce is a small, respected school where you can build personal relationships with professors.

What is your favorite part about working on the Quail Research Team?

I enjoy my time in the laboratory and have gained a variety of new skills. I also enjoy being out at our study site searching for quail and conducting research.

Have you received any scholarships? If so, which ones?

I received the Julie Gough Memorial Scholarship.

Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.

Avian translocations can result in stress responses that can influence translocation projects. However, this factor is often overlooked when translocating quail. I am interested in the use of translocations to restore or introduce quail populations among both private and public landowners. Translocations of wild California valley quail to areas with low concentration or no quail have been successful in many parts of the world, resulting in the effort of valley quail being translocated to Texas. In this study, I will investigate the stress response of valley quail translocated to Texas by 1) determining the weight loss of captive-reared quail held for two days; 2) comparing weight loss of captive-reared and wild-translocated quail; 3) examining stress-induced corticosterone levels in fecal samples of captive-reared quail; and 4) evaluating supplemental feed additives such as vitamin C, E, and selenium to reduce stress. The results of this study will expand our knowledge on the effects of stress on avian translocation success.

Tell us about one of your favorite professors and why.

My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Delgado. I chose her to be on my committee. She has been quick to answer any questions I have.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to work either in a federal or state government agency or for a non-profit in the wildlife field. I have thought about going back to school for my doctorate.

Educational Background

• M.S., Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2020-Present
• B.S., Biology, Westfield State University, 2017

Awards or Honors

• Dean's List, A&M-Commerce, 2020

Professional Organizations

• Quail Forever Chapter: A&M-Commerce
• The Wildlife Society

Research Interests

• Stress physiology in quail
• Population estimates and mortality investigations with ungulates
• Disease ecology in game species