Sage-Grouse Genetics

Doctorate of Science, Candidate, Environmental Biology & Ecology, University of Alberta, 2003-2009

• Thesis: Genetic Diversity and Paternity Analysis of Endangered Canadian Sage-Grouse

• Supervisors: Dr. Cindy Paszkowski & Dr. Dave Coltman

B.Sc. Honors Animal Biology, University of Alberta, 2001 - 2003

• Thesis: Genetic Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse

• Supervisors: Dr. Cindy Paszkowski & Dr. Francis Yeh

B.Sc. Honors Molecular Genetics, University of Alberta, 1997 - 2001

• Thesis: Pheasant Phylogenetics

• Supervisor: Dr. Curtis Strobeck

Awards

McAfee Estate Scholarship in Zoology, University of Alberta, 2009

University of Alberta AOU Travel Fund for Attending Avian Conferences, 2008

Charles Sivelle Scholarship, American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, 2007

University of Alberta AOU Travel Fund for Attending Avian Conferences, 2007

Walter H. Johns Fellowship, University of Alberta, 2007

Walter H. Johns Fellowship, University of Alberta, 2006

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) Award, Saskatchewan Environment, 2006

University of Alberta FGSR Research Travel Award, University of Alberta, 2006

Department of Biological Sciences Travel Award, University of Alberta, 2006

Bob Landon Bursary, Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Gamebird Association, 2005

Walter H. Johns Fellowship, University of Alberta, 2005

Postgraduate Scholarship - Doctoral (PGSD), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), May 2005 - April 2008

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) Award, Saskatchewan Environment, 2005

Orville Erickson Memorial Scholarship, Canadian Wildlife Foundation, 2004

Walter H. Johns Fellowship, University of Alberta, 2004

Postgraduate Scholarship - Master's (PGSM), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), May 2004 - April 2005

Charles Sivelle Scholarship, American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, 2003

Graduate Teaching Assistantship, University of Alberta, September 2003 - April 2004

Department of Biological Sciences Teaching Assistantship Scholarship, University of Alberta, 2003

Frances M. Peacock Scholarship for Native Bird Habitat, Garden Club of America, 2003

Alexander Rutherford Scholarship, Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund, September 1997

University of Alberta Academic Excellence Scholarship, University of Alberta, 1997

Bob Landon Bursary, Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Gamebird Association, 1997

Faculty of Engineering Entrance Scholarship, University of Alberta, declined, 1997

Grants Received 

For Post-Doc Research Project on Sage-Grouse & Sharp-tailed Grouse Genetics

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Montana, $35,000, 2009

World Wildlife U.S.A., $5,000, 2009

Grant Eligible - Conservation Fund, Alberta Conservation Association, $20,000, 2009

For Graduate Research Project on Sage-Grouse Genetics

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Montana, $6,000, 2007 (in conjunction with research being conducted by Dr. Dave Naugle at the University of Montana)

The Nature Conservancy and Nature Conservancy Canada, $7,000 (US), 2007

Endangered Species Recovery Fund, World Wildlife Fund Canada and Environment Canada, $8,000, 2007

Leslie Tassel Fund, American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, $500, 2006

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Montana, $10,000, 2006/2007 (in conjunction with research being conducted by Dr. Dave Naugle at the University of Montana)

Challenge Grants in Biodiversity, Alberta Conservation Association and Alberta Cooperative Conservation Unit (ACCRU), $15,000, 2005/2006

Parks Canada Species at Risk Recovery Action and Education Fund (SARRAEF), Parks Canada, $20,000 ($5,000 per year X 3 years + an extra $5,000 in 2006), 2005/2006/2007

Endangered Species Recovery Fund, World Wildlife Fund Canada and Environment Canada, $12,000, 2005

Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Development Initiatives Program, Government of Alberta, $5000, 2004          

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM) Award, Saskatchewan Environment, $5,000, 2004

Grant Eligible - Conservation Fund, Alberta Conservation Association, $14,500, 2004

Endangered Species Recovery Fund, World Wildlife Fund Canada and Environment Canada, $20,500, 2003

Grant Eligible - Conservation Fund, Alberta Conservation Association, $10,500, 2003

Taverner Award, Society of Canadian Ornithologists, $500, 2003

For Graduate Research on Sharp-tailed Grouse Genetics

Grant Eligible - Conservation Fund, Alberta Conservation Association, $10,000, 2007

Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Development Initiatives Program, Government of Alberta, $4,000, 2006/2007

Legacy Fund, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society (APOS), $1,500, 2006/2007

For Undergraduate Research Project on Sage-Grouse Paternity                          

Prairie Ornamental Pheasant and Waterfowl Association, $300, 2003

Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation, Development Initiatives Program, Government of Alberta, $5000, 2002

Leslie Tassel Fund, American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, $750, 2002

Contracts

For Graduate Research Project on Sage-Grouse Genetics

World Wildlife U.S.A., 2006/2007

Publications 

Papers Published in Refereed Scientific Journals

Bush, K.L.,  Aldridge, C.L., Carpenter, J.E., Paszkowski, C.A., Boyce, M.S., and Coltman, D.W. 2010. Birds of a feather do not always lek together: genetic diversity and kinship structure of Greater Sage-Grouse in Alberta. Auk 127(2): 343-353.

Bush, K.L.  2008.  Using a Pressure Operated Drop Net System to Capture Endangered Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in Alberta, Canada.  Journal of Field Ornithology 79 (1): 64-70.

Bush, K.L., Vinsky, M.D., Aldridge, C.L., and Paszkowski, C.A.  2005.  A comparison of sample types varying in invasiveness for use in DNA sex determination in an endangered population of Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).  Conservation Genetics 6: 867-870.

Bush, K.L. & Strobeck, C.  2003.  Phylogenetic Relationships of the Phasianidae Reveals Possible Non-Pheasant Taxa.  Journal of Heredity 94(6): 472-489.

Papers Submitted in Revision for Refereed Scientific Journals

Articles Published in Non-Scientific Journals        

Bush, K.L. 2006.  Letter to the APWS Grant Committee.   American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 10: 27-28.

Bush, K.L. 2006. Details of the Project.  Part I: Sage-Grouse Project. American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 10: 29-30.

Bush, K.L. 2006. Part II: Sharp-tailed Grouse Project.  American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 10: 31-32.

Bush, K. L. and Bush, D.R.  2006.  The Reeves Pheasant.  The Feather Fancier 62 (696): 1.

Bush, K. L. and Bush, D.R.  2006.  The Elliot Pheasant. The Feather Fancier 62 (692): 1.

Bush, K.L.  2005.  Detection of a Significant Female Sex Bias at Hatch in a Declining Population of Canadian Sage-Grouse.  American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 8: 29-34.

Bush, K. L. and Bush, D.R.  2003.  The Reeves Pheasant (Syrmaticus reevesi).  The Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Game Bird Association 25(3): 8-10.

Bush, K. L.  2003.   Paternity Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse: An Overview of My Research.  Prairie Ornamental Pheasant and Waterfowl Association April/May: 20-25.

Bush, K. L.  2003.  An Overview of Pheasant Phylogenetics.  American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 3: 29-35

Bush, K. L.  2003.  Paternity Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse.  American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society 2: 31-35.

Bush, K. L.  2003.  An Overview of Pheasant Phylogenetics.  Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Game Bird Association 24 (11): 22-27.

Bush, K. L. and Bush, D.R.  2002.  The Elliot Pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti).  The Canadian Ornamental Pheasant and Game Bird Association 24(7): 12-14.

Bush, K. L.  2002.  Sex Determination in Birds and DNA Sexing.  Parrotlet Chatter 2: 4.

Bush, K. L.  2002.  Review of Ecological Factors Governing Green-Rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) Survival.  Parrotlet Chatter 1: 4.

Bush, K. L. and Bush, D.R.  2001.  The Impeyan Pheasant (Lophophorus impeyanus).  Prairie Ornamental Pheasant and Waterfowl Association Bulletin.  January/February 2001: 5-7.

Theses           

Bush, K.L.  2009. Genetic Diversity and Paternity Analysis of Endangered Canadian Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Ph.D. Thesis, University of Alberta

Bush, K.L.  2003.  Genetic Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).  Unpublished Honors Thesis, University of Alberta.

Bush, K. L. 2001.  Pheasant Phylogenetics.  Unpublished Honors Thesis, University of Alberta.  

Research Abstracts

Bush, K.L.  2004.  Genetic Diversity and Paternity Analysis of Endangered Canadian Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).  MSc. Thesis, Department of Biological Sciences,  University of Alberta.  Picoides 17(1): 14-15.

Presentations

Conference Presentations and Abstracts

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Carpenter, J.E., Paszkowski, C.A., Boyce, M.S., and Coltman, D.W. June 2010. The secret sex lives of Sage-Grouse: multiple paternity, reduced variance in male mating success, and intraspecific nest parasitism revealed through genetic analysis. 27th Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop. Twin Falls, Idaho (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Vinsky, M.D., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.W. September 2008. Detrimental effects of energy development on the genetic diversity and relatedness of Powder River Basin Greater Sage-Grouse. 11th International Grouse Symposium. Whitehorse, Yukon (Oral Presentation & Abstract).

Bush, K.L., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D. August 2008. Range edge periphery & fragmentation do not impact population structure & genetic diversity of northern Montana & Canadian Sage-Grouse. American Ornithologists' Union, the Cooper Ornithological Society, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists 2008 Meeting. Portland, Oregon (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Battazzo, A., Carpenter, J., Doherty, K., Moynahan, B., Sauls, H., Tack, J., Walker, B., Naugle, D., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D. June 2008. Things that we thought we knew about Sage-Grouse, but don't: an investigation of dispersal, lek structure, and genetic diversity. 26th Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop. Mammoth Lakes, California (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K. L., Aldridge, C. L., Carpenter, J. E. Eslinger, D. Nicholson, J., Boyce, M. S., Paszkowski, C. A., and Coltman, D. W. June 2008. Lek counts underestimate lek attendance based on genetic sampling of molted feathers. 26th Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop. Mammoth Lakes, California (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K. L.  April 2008.  Birds that know no boundaries: a genetic study of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population. Crossing the Medicine Line Spring Forum. Elkwater, Alberta (Oral Presentation)

Bush, K.L., Nicholson, J., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.W.  October 2007. Genetic Analysis of Southern Alberta Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse. 27th Meeting and Scientific Paper Session of the Prairie Grouse Technical Council.  Chamberlain, South Dakota (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Nicholson, J., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.W.  October 2007.  Genetic Tests Reveals Introgression of Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse into the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population.  27th Meeting and Scientific Paper Session of the Prairie Grouse Technical Council.  Chamberlain, South Dakota (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Battazzo, A., Carpenter, J., Doherty, K., Moynahan, B., Sauls, H., Tack, J., Walker, B., Naugle, D., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.  September 2007.  Genetic  Diversity Analysis of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population and Conservation Implications for Endangered Canadian Birds.  The Wildlife Society Conference.  Tuscon, Arizona (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Battazzo, A., Carpenter, J., Doherty, K., Moynahan, B., Sauls, H., Tack, J., Walker, B., Naugle, D., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.  2007.  Genetic Diversity Analysis of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population and the Implications for Conservation in Alberta.  Alberta Wildlife Society Conference.  Canmore, Alberta. (Oral Presentation & Abstract)

Bush, K.L. and Nicholson, J.  2007.  Hybridization of Endangered Alberta and Saskatchewan Sage-Grouse with Plains Sharp-tailed Grouse and the Impact on Sage-Grouse Conservation in Canada.  Alberta Wildlife Society Conference.  Canmore, Alberta. (Poster)

Bush, K.L.  2007.  The use of a Pressure Operated Drop Net for Capturing Endangered Sage-Grouse in Southeastern Alberta and Potential Uses for Other Bird and Small Mammal Species.  Alberta Wildlife Society Conference.  Canmore, Alberta. (Abstract)

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Battazzo, A., Carpenter, J., Doherty, K., Moynahan, B., Sauls, H., Tack, J., Walker, B., Naugle, D., Paszkowski, C.A., and Coltman, D.  2007.  Genetic Diversity Analysis of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population: Consequences for the management of the endangered Canadian sub-populations.  8th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference and Workshop.  Regina, Saskatchewan (Poster & Abstract)

Bush, K.L. and Nicholson, J.  2007.  Frequent Hybridization Occurrence in an Endangered Sage-Grouse Population and the Impact on Sage-Grouse Conservation.    8th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference and Workshop. Regina, Saskatchewan (Poster & Abstract)  

Bush, K.L.  and Paszkowski, C.A. 2006. Genetic diversity analysis of Canadian and northern Montana Sage-grouse: implications for the conservation of the endangered Canadian population.  2006 Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop. Spearfish, South Dakota (Oral Presentation & Abstract). 

Bush, K.L., Nation, P.N., and Paszkowski, C.A. 2006. Abnormal Alberta sage-grouse embryos: current project status and directions for future.   2006 Western Agencies Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop.  Spearfish, South Dakota (Oral Presentation & Abstract).

Bush, K.L. and Paszkowski, C.A.  2006.  Endangered Canadian Sage-Grouse Genetic Diversity. Canadian Society of Zoologists 45th Annual Meeting.  Edmonton, Alberta (Oral Presentation & Abstract).

Bush, K.L.  2005.  Genetic Diversity Analysis of Canadian and Northern Montana Sage-Grouse. Canadian Sage-Grouse Recovery Team Meeting.  Medicine Hat, Alberta (Oral Presentation)

Bush, K.L.  2005.  Abnormal Sage-Grouse embryos from Alberta.  Canadian Sage-Grouse Recovery Team Meeting.  Medicine Hat, Alberta (Oral Presentation).

Bush, K.L. and Paszkowski, C.A. 2005.  Genetic Diversity Analysis of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northern Montana Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).  2005 Annual Conference and Meeting, Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society.  Nisku, Alberta (Oral Presentation & Abstract).

Bush, K.L., Aldridge, C.L., Paszkowski, C.A., Boyce, M.S., Coltman, D.W., and Nation, P. September 2004. Consequences of inbreeding in a small declining population of Alberta Sage-Grouse. 11th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. Calgary, Alberta. (Abstract).

Bush, K.L.  February 2004.  Detection of a Significant Female Sex Ratio Bias in a Declining Population of Canadian Sage-Grouse.  38th Prairie Universities Biological Symposium (PUBS).  Edmonton, Alberta. (Oral Presentation & Abstract).

Invited Presentations             

Bush, KL. March 2008. Birds that know more boundaries: a genetic study of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse population. Presentation to the Crossing the Medicine Line Network: Elkwater Spring Forum. Elkwater, Alberta.

Bush, K.L. November 2007. Conservation Concerns for Southern Alberta Sage-Grouse and Sharp-tailed Grouse.  Alberta Grouse Technical Council Meeting.  Sherwood Park, Alberta.

Bush, K.L.  November 2006.  Transcending Geopolitical Boundaries: Using Genetics and Ecology to Examine the Diversity and Structure of the Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Population. Presentation to the Crossing the Medicine Line Network: Glasgow Fall Forum (in conjunction with the Montana Sage-Grouse Working Group Meeting).  Glasgow, Montana.

Bush, K.L.  March 2003.  Phylogenetic Relationships of the Phasianidae Reveals Possible Non-Pheasant Taxa and Paternity Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse.  Research Presentation for Dr. Arcese’s Research Group, University of British Columbia.

Bush, K.L.  February 2003.  Paternity Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse.  Research Presentation for the Prairie Ornamental Pheasant and Waterfowl Association.

University of Alberta Presentations

Bush, K.L. and Paszkowski, C.A.  March 2006.  Genetic diversity analysis of endangered Canadian Sage-Grouse.  Biological Sciences Graduate Student Research Days.  University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. (Oral Presentation and Abstract)

Bush, K.L.  February 2005.  Using temporal and spatial controls to determine population boundaries and genetic diversity in Canadian and northern Montana Sage-Grouse.  Ecology Student Seminar Series.  University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. (Oral Presentation)

Bush, K.L., Paszkowski, C.A., and Nation, P.N.  January 2005.  Developmental abnormalities in southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse embryos and possible links to inbreeding.  Biological Sciences Graduate Student Research Days.  University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. (Oral Presentation and Abstract)

University Course Related Presentations

Bush, K.L.  November 2003.  John Avise: The Father of Phylogeography.  Research Presentation for Biology 603, University of Alberta.

Bush, K.L.  April 2003.  Genetic Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse - My Final Findings.  Research Presentation for Biology 499, University of Alberta

Bush, K.L. and Lavers, J.  March 2003.  Family Psittacidae (Parrots).   Research Presentation for Zoology 407, University of Alberta.

Bush, K.L.  February 2003.  Paternity Analysis of Southeastern Alberta Sage-Grouse: A Mid-Project Report.  Research Presentation for Biology 499, University of Alberta

Bush, K. L.  December 2002.  The Effects of Incubation Temperature and Gonadal Hormones on the Behavior, Physiology, and Endocrinology of the Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination Species, the Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius). Research Presentation for Zoology 370, University of Alberta

Bush, K. L.  December 2002.  The Use of Molecular Techniques to Classify Sage-Grouse into Two Separate Species. Research Presentation for Animal Science 484, University of Alberta

Bush, K. L.  October 2002.  Animal Welfare of Endangered Species in Captivity - The Whooping Crane.  Research Presentation for Animal Science 374, University of Alberta.

Bush, K. L.  April 2002.  Evolutionary Enigmas of the Family Carnivora.  Research Presentation for Zoology 408, University of Alberta.

Bush, K. L. and Strobeck, C.  April 2001.  Pheasant Phylogenetics.  Research Presentation for Biology 499 Project, University of Alberta.

Press Releases about Krista Bush’s Research

2005: WWF Canada web site - on-line article - WWF Sponsored Projects: The Endangered Alberta and Saskatchewan Sage-Grouse  

http://www.wwf.ca/NewsAndFacts/Projects/2005/sagegrouse.asp 

June 2005: Edmonton Journal - Newspaper Article - “Researcher Hunts for mounted Sage Grouse”

June 2005: Regina Leader-Post - Newspaper Article - “ Public Assistance Sought on Study”

May 2005: CBC Radio Saskatchewan - Noon Edition with Joanne Skidmore - “Historic Sage-Grouse Research”

April 2005: The Bird Atlas Gazette - Newsletter Article - “Wanted: Historic Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Samples”

April 2005: The Alberta Wildlifer - Newsletter Article for the Alberta Chapter of the Wildlife Society - “ Request for Sage-Grouse Samples”

March 2005: Brooks & County Chronicle - Newspaper Article - “Sage-Grouse”

March 2005: The Western Producer - Newspaper Article - “Grouse Feathers Sought”

February 2005: Bow Island Commentator - Newspaper Article - “Sage-Grouse”

February 2005: Lethbridge Herald - Newspaper Article - “CSI: Sage-grouse”

February 2005: Medicine Hat News - Letter to the Editor - “Wanted: Historic Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Samples”

February 2005: Sunny South News - Newspaper Article - “Sage-Grouse”

January 2005: Hunting for Tomorrow - Electronic Newsletter - “Wanted: Historic Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northern Montana Sage-Grouse Samples”

Technical Consultation

Scientific advisor to the Canadian Sage-Grouse Recovery Team.  2005 - present.

Member of the World Pheasant Galliform Genetics Group (a technical group for the World Pheasant Association).  2006 - present.

Scientific Paper Review

 I have reviewed papers for the following Journals: Journal of Field Ornithology

Professional Memberships

The Society of Canadian Ornithologists, The American Genetic Association, The American Ornithologists’ Union, The Cooper Ornithological Society, The Wilson Ornithological Society, The Society of Canadian Zoologists, & The Wildlife Society (Alberta & Montana Chapters)

Membership in Avian & Wildlife Organizations                                                                 

American Pheasant & Waterfowl Society, Prairie Ornamental Pheasant & Waterfowl Association, National Wildlife Federation, and Canadian Wildlife Federation

Photography

Pictures that I have taken have been featured in:

Molles, M. and Cahill, J.  2008.  Ecology, 1st Edition.  McGraw-Hill Ryerson, Toronto, Canada.

2007 ACA Grants in Biodiversity Poster Campaign & 2006/2007 Biennial Report Book

2005 WWF Information Page