Missouri State University

Skip to content Skip to navigation
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Biology Blog

A woman operates a fishing rod. The sea is visible in the background.Photo by Laura Stanley from Pexels.
Photo courtesy of Laura Stanley from Pexels.

Alumna Krissy Sardina wins Early Career Professional of the Year Award

The recognition comes from the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

November 18, 2021 by Ashley Lenahan

Biology Bear grads often lead careers at least in part working behind the lens of a microscope.  

Their impressive professional achievements should also be brought into focus.  

This includes the work of biology alumna Krissy Sardina. She recently received the Early Career Professional of the Year Award from the Southwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Explore the biology program 

Showing commitment to conservation 

According to the Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office’s (OKFWCO) monthly report, Sardina began working in the office as a biological sciences technician in September 2019. 

She was promoted to the position of permanent fish biologist by April 2020.

Krissy Sardina sits on a rock surrounded by mountains. Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office newsletter.
Photo of Krissy Sardina courtesy of the Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office newsletter.

The monthly report credits Sardina with maintaining an active role in all OKFWCO projects since starting at the office. This includes making vital contributions to studies centered on invasive carp.  

Sardina also serves as a new employee mentor. She is a frequent field work leader and volunteer for the Tribal Wildlife Grant Selection Committee. 

Beginning her biology journey at MSU 

Sardina served as a graduate student in the research lab of Dr. Day Ligon, biology professor at Missouri State, for two years while attending MSU. 

She developed two research projects as starting points for her career path during her time there.  

One centered on improving housing conditions for a captive population of alligator snapping turtles. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains Sardina’s work as part of a reintroduction program, Ligon shares.  

Sardina’s other student project centered on investigating how the turtles develop a healthy gut microflora. This fuels efficient use of their digestive systems.  

“Both of Krissy’s studies served as key contributions to conservation efforts,” Ligon said. “Her findings are especially relevant as alligator snapping turtles are considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act.” 

A remarkable researcher 

Ligon considered Sardina a standout in his lab.  

Her work ethic led her to a student internship at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery. Then, an eventual job offer there.  

Sardina worked at the hatchery for about a year before beginning her role at OKFWCO.  

“Krissy was incredibly dedicated to her research,” Ligon said. “She worked impossibly long hours in the vivarium of Temple Hall to ensure she completed the best work that she could.” 

About the award 

The Early Career Professional of the Year Award serves to support service employees who demonstrate a commitment to and passion for furthering the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  

The service grants the award to one current service employee annually.  

“It speaks volumes about Krissy that she was even nominated for the award, much less selected over all other nominees,” Ligon said. “Recognition at this early stage in her career will help to open doors for her in the future.” 

Learn more about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Day Ligon, Krissy Sardina

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • They really do move in herds
  • Should you be worried about June bugs?
  • Exploring treatments for migraines and cluster headaches
  • Biology professor selected for prestigious leadership position
  • A guide to bee-ing friends

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • September 2023
    • May 2023
    • April 2023
    • March 2023
    • February 2023
    • January 2023
    • December 2022
    • September 2022
    • August 2022
    • July 2022
    • May 2022
    • March 2022
    • January 2022
    • November 2021
    • October 2021
    • September 2021
    • August 2021
    • July 2021
    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    • September 2019
    • August 2019
    • July 2019
    • May 2019
    • April 2019
    • March 2019
    • February 2019
    • January 2019
    • December 2018
    • November 2018
    • October 2018
    • September 2018
    • August 2018
    • July 2018
    • June 2018
    • May 2018
    • April 2018
    • March 2018
    • February 2018
    • January 2018
    • December 2017
    • November 2017
    • October 2017
    • September 2017
    • August 2017
    • July 2017
    • June 2017
    • April 2017
    • March 2017
    • February 2017
    • January 2017
    • December 2016
    • November 2016
    • October 2016
    • September 2016
    • July 2016
    • June 2016
    • May 2016
    • January 2016
    • November 2015
    • October 2015
    • September 2015
    • June 2015
    • May 2015
    • April 2015
    • March 2015
    • February 2015
    • January 2015
    • December 2014
    • November 2014
    • October 2014
    • September 2014
    • August 2014
    • July 2014
    • June 2014
    • May 2014
    • April 2014
    • March 2014
    • February 2014
    • January 2014
    • October 2013
    • September 2013
    • August 2013

    Categories

    • News
    • Research
    • Uncategorized

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org
    Make your Missouri statementMake your Missouri statement
    • Last Modified: November 18, 2021
    • Accessibility
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • EO/AA/M/F/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity
    • © Board of Governors, Missouri State University
    • Contact Information
    • Healthcare MRFs