USGS - science for a changing world

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

Home/ Overview/ Science Programs/ Data Library/ Products and Publications/States/ Rivers/Teachers and Students/ Links/ Contact/ Search

Chris CusterChristine M. Custer

Position title:  Wildlife Biologist (Research)

Email: ccuster@usgs.gov
Phone: 608.781.6247
Fax: 608.783.6066

Education: 
1991 Ph.D., Fisheries and Wildlife, Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1986 M.S., Biology, Corpus State Univ., Corpus Christi, Texas
1973 B.A., Anthropology, Univ. Colorado, Boulder, Colorado

Primary Responsibilities/Activities: 
My research focuses on investigating contaminant effects on wildlife populations.  I conduct mainly field studies across the U.S. with an emphasis on assisting DOI and other State and Federal partners in filling their information voids. Data are collected, statistically analyzed, and published on source, bioavailability, transfer, and especially effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife species, primarily migratory birds. 

Research Interests:

Active Projects: 

Select Publications: 
Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, James E. Hines, James D. Nichols, and Paul M. Dummer.  2007. Adult tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) survival on the polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated Housatonic River, Massachusetts, USA.. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26:1056-1065.

Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, and Elwood F. Hill.  2007. Mercury exposure and effects on cavity-nesting birds from the Carson River, Nevada.  Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 52:129-136.

Custer, Christine M.  and Lorraine B. Read.  2006. Polychlorinated biphenyl congener patterns in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Housatonic River, western Massachusetts, USA, using a novel statistical approach.   Environmental Pollution 142:235-245.  

Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, Cornell J Rosiu, Paul M. Dummer, Mark J. Melancon, and J. W. Bickham.  2005.  Exposure and effects of dioxins, furans, and other organochlorine chemicals on tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24:93-109.

Custer, Christine M., Thomas W. Custer, Michael J. Anteau, Alan D. Afton, and David . E. Wooten.  2003. Trace elements in lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) from the Mississippi Flyway. Ecotoxicology 12:47-54.

Links:
Contaminant effects on tree swallows: A nationwide indicator species

Bioaccumulation and effects of PCBs on tree swallows nesting along the Housatonic River, Massachusetts

Contaminants in tree swallows in relation to water level management

Exposure of nontarget birds to DRC-1339 avicide in fall baited sunflower fields

Adult tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) survival on the PCB-contaminated Housatonic River, Massachusetts

Exposure and effects of dioxins and other organochlorine chemicals on tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island

Return to Staff Directory red arrow

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/staff/bios/cmc0.html
Page Contact Information: Contacting the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Page Last Modified: October 2, 2007