Sara Barck
Short Bio
I am a MS Biology graduate student that loves animals of all types, even though bugs freak me out! I love photography and drawings of nature, producing my own whenever possible. I am from Cullman, Alabama, and have remained in Alabama my entire life, however I plan to explore new states and continents in the future. I have two cats, Nico and Roger, who are menaces but are cute enough to get away with all their mischief. I hope to obtain a PhD in the future and continue my work in academia as a professor in the field of biology.
Education
BS Integrative Biology (Pre-Vet) Auburn University 2024
MS Biology Auburn University Current
Professional Experience
I have been shadowing veterinarians in my hometown since 2017. I was a volunteer at Hope Horses Ranch in the summer of 2019. I also volunteered at Lee County Humane Society, now known as CARE Humane Society, during my freshman year at Auburn University. I previously worked as a Surgical Services Student Worker at Auburn University's JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Once I started graduate school, I became a GTA in the Department of Biological Sciences for Comparative Anatomy and Invertebrate Biodiversity. Not only have I learned new skills working at Auburn University, but I have also been able to hone skills such as communication, efficiency, and observation that I learned from previous experience. Now, as an Animal Technician in the Hood Lab, time management is essential in order to balance both my studies and my performance at work. Additionally,I have experience in field work with both vertebrates and invertebrates, such as trapping and handling various bird species.
Innovation
I studied sexual dimorphism in the fin rays of three closely related genera: Hypentelium, Thoburnia, and Vexillichthys. This work was published in March 2026 in Southeastern Naturalist. Currently, I am looking into the phylogenetics, using RADseq, and geographic ranges of the three species within Hypentelium: H. nigricans, H. etowanum, and H. roanokense.
Engagement
I gave a guest lecture on Ichthylogy as a whole to the OLLI program at Auburn University, where I presented complex topics to a group with nonscientific backgrounds.
