OHIO student receives Public Service Award for research project

Earlier this month, hundreds of students gathered in Walter Fieldhouse for the 2025 Ohio University Student Research and Creative Activity Expo.

At the Expo, rows of student researchers from all across the University gathered to showcase their projects. Displays ranged from VR experiences to showing off projects headed to the International Space Station.

Cierra Willis, an OHIO Honors Program junior studying environmental science and sustainability, presented her project, “Searching for Coydogs: Exploring the Environmental Correlates of Coyote/Dog Introgression in Ohio and Indiana,” which explores the effect of hybridization between coyotes and domesticated dogs.

“Coyotes are one of the few species who have adapted very well to urban environments and have been expanding into areas with high human activity… one of the main hypotheses is that coyotes are adapting well to urban environments because they are hybridizing with domesticated dogs,” Willis said.

By hybridizing, coyote offspring are inheriting genetic material from dog populations. Willis hypothesized that these offspring are able to better adapt to urban environments and a broader dietary profile.

To conduct her research, Willis and others in the lab collected coyote scat samples from across Ohio and Indiana. Once the samples were identified, the team compared the relative frequency of hybrids in each population to be able to understand the impact of human activity on coyote populations.

For her research, Willis received the Public Service Award from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. This award is designed to support individuals committed to a career in public service, empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and the environment through education and practice.

Research at OHIO and in the field

Willis worked on her project in the Alvarado-Serrano lab under the direction of Principal Investigator, Dr. Diego F. Alvarado-Serrano.

“I really am just grateful for Dr. Alvarado-Serrano and the members of his lab for always supporting me and giving me constructive feedback,” Willis said. “I learned so much from them. I feel so grateful.”

Last summer Willis traveled to Kenya to work on a climate research project, which inspired her to continue work on environmental issues. In Kenya she worked with a number of local farmers to understand their techniques and how climate impacts have influenced their work.

“I went on a study abroad trip and I was like ‘Wow, I have a responsibility to protect the environment and the world and people,'” Willis said. “If I didn't study abroad, I would not be the person I am today or have the aspirations that I do.”

While at OHIO, Willis has experienced an intense journey of personal growth and transformative experiences through study abroad and research. Receiving the award was an incredibly emotional experience for her.

“I've never felt so emotional. I feel like I've come so far that seeing that was like, ‘Whoa, I can actually achieve things,’ because I've held myself back for so long,” Willis said. “These experiences have been so valuable and help me get out there and really experience what's out in the world, that's really exciting.”

The Public Service Award is granted to students conducting research or creative activity with a strong public service orientation and an interest in pursuing either the Master of Public Administration degree or the Master of Science in Environmental Studies degree with the Voinovich School.  This award is designed to support individuals committed to a career in public service, empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities and the environment through education and practice.