Regina Spranger's Curriculum Vitae
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EDUCATION
Ph.D., Ecology and Evolution Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz (Expected 2022)
Dissertation: Ecophysiology, Acclimation, and Conservation of North American Amphibians
Advisor: Dr. Barry Sinervo and Dr. Suzanne Alonzo
Committee: Dr. Rita Mehta and Dr. Tom Raffel
M.A., Ecology and Evolution Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz (2019)
Bachelor of Arts, Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley (2015)
PUBLICATIONS
Barradas A, Spranger R, Vera-Chávez M, Quintero-Pérez R, Garrido-Casas M, Flores-Aguirre C, Arenas-Moreno D, Sinervo B, Méndez-De la Cruz F. Submitted. Thermal preferences and thermal tolerances of Ambystoma species from two different limnic systems. Amphibia-Reptilia.
Sette C, Spranger R, Kustra M, Ohms H, Sinervo B. In Prep. An evolutionary game theory model for plastic developmental strategies of omnivory vs carnivory in Scaphiopus multiplicate.
Spranger R, Giannousis C, Sinervo B. In Prep. Ability to acclimate skin resistance to increasing temperatures in Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum.
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Spranger R, Lacey M, Sinervo B. In Prep. Revisiting the Thermal Sensitivity of the Western Toad, Bufo boreas.
Spranger R, Sinervo B. In Prep. Effect of canopy coverage on frog thermoregulation and its conservation impacts at the local and state scale.
Sinervo B, Spranger R, Méndez-De la Cruz F, Miles D. In Prep. Ecophysiological models of phenology, alternative developmental modes, and larval duration in Ambystoma and Dicamptodon species of North America.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Acclimation Potential and Extinction Risk in Amybstoma and Dicamptodon
Authors: Spranger R, Méndez-De la Cruz FR, Alonzo S, Sinervo B
I am refining amphibian extinction risk models by adding empirical data on thermal eco-physiology, acclimation within- and between-generations, maternal effects, elevational and latitudinal effects, physiological differences between life history strategies, microclimates, and mercury bioaccumulation across the Ambystoma and Dicamptodongenera.
Canopy Density Effects on California Red-Legged Frog Thermoregulation
Authors: Spranger R, Ringelmann A, Sinervo B
The objective is to improve the habitat quality for a breeding population of the federally-listed California Red-Legged Frog by (1) measuring the frogs’ thermoregulation capacity, (2) assessing density effects on hydric and thermal pond conditions, and (3) using this collected data to thin the overstory at the pond.
Conserving SC Long-toed Salamanders, an Endemic Species Facing Low Genetic Diversity
Authors: Spranger R, Sinervo B, Palkovacs E
In collaboration with USFWS, we create crosses between genetically separate populations to test for outbreeding depression. We use thermal physiology to compare fitness, test if admixture propagation is a conservation strategy for species with metapopulations and low genetic diversity, and larvae are translocated to struggling areas to boost population size.
Maternal Behavior Effects on Thermal Physiology & Game Theory in Side-Blotched Lizards
Authors: Sinervo B, Spranger R, Blaimont P, Miles D
This project studies how hours of restriction affect female temperature preference and basking behavior, and those effects offspring thermal physiology. I am also assisting in a side project on the plasticity of color change in lava flow lizards.
British Broadcasting Corporation Filming (2017), National Geographic Filming (2017)
Past Research Projects:
Anti-predatory behavior in diverse ring species, Ensatina eschscholtzii
Predator-prey Interaction between Mojave Rattlesnakes and Kangaroo Rats
Heritability of Social Conduct in Tuco-tucos
Octopus and Mantis Shrimp Behavior
GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, and HONORS
Research Funds (2021)
US Department Fish and Wildlife
Funded: $14,000
Research Funds and GSR (2021)
US Department Fish and Wildlife
Funded: $50,000
Summer Research Award (2021)
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Funded: $465
Dissertation Year Fellowship (2021)
Division of Physical & Biological Sciences
Funded: $15,000
Fellowship (2021)
Achievement Rewards for College Scientists
Funded: $10,000
Broadening Participation Grant (2021)
Society for Integrative Biology
Funded: $300
Grant-in-Aid-of-Research (2020)
Sigma Xi
Funded: $1,000
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Travel and Educational Grant (2020)
American Geophysical Union
Funded: $1,000
Summer Research Award (2020)
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Funded: $600
Research Funds and GSR (2020)
US Department Fish and Wildlife
Funded: $50,000
TA of the Year Award (2020)
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Funded: $500
Hammett Fellowship (2020)
Environmental Science Dept.
Funded: $7,500
Grant-in-Aid-of-Research (2020)
Society for Integrative Biology
Funded: $1000
Charles H. Lowe Herp Fund (2019)
Tucson Herpetological Society
Funded: $1000
Summer Research Award (2019)
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Funded: $1000
Mildred E. Mathias Grant (2018)
UC Natural Reserve System
Funded: $3,000
Graduate Pedagogy Fellowship (2018)
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning Funded: $2,000
Graduate Student Travel Grant (2018)
Graduate Student Association, UCSC
Funded: $600
Summer Research Award (2018)
Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Funded: $981
Dean's Honors List (2014)
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PROFESSIONAL TALKS and CONFERENCES
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (2022) — Oral Presentation
Assessing impacts of canopy density on the thermoregulation of red-legged frogs
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (2022) — Oral Presentation
Using propagation to conserve a highly endemic amphibian with isolated populations
Society for Conservation Biology International (2021) — Oral Presentation
Conserving highly endemic species with low genetic diversity through admixture propagation
Joint Meetings of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (2021) — Oral Presentation
Incubation temperature and maternal effects on thermal physiology in Ambystoma mexicanum
Society for Conservation Biology Symposium North America (2021) — Oral Presentation
Conserving the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander through admixture propagation
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (2021) — Oral Presentation
Incubation temperature and maternal effects on thermal physiology in Ambystoma mexicanum
American Geophysical Union (2020) — Poster
Assessing wildfire impacts on canopy density and the extinction risk of amphibians
Graduate Climate Conference (2020) — Poster
Maternal effects on extinction risk in Ambystoma mexicanum
EEB Graduate Student Symposium, UC Santa Cruz (2020) — Oral Presentation
Maternal effects on thermal preference in Ambystoma mexicanum
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (2019) — Oral presentation
Thermal acclimation potential of Ambystoma and Dicamptodon salamanders
EEB Graduate Student Symposium, UC Santa Cruz (2017) — Oral Presentation
The effect of canopy-thinning on California red-legged frog thermoregulation
PUBLIC TALKS and INTERVIEWS
KKQD Deep Look (2021) — Article and Video Episode
The Axolotl Salamander Doesn't Wanna Grow Up
High School Invited Lecturer (2021) — Oral presentation
Conserving the Santa Cruz Long Toed Salamander
KKQD Deep Look (2020) — Article and Video Episode
These Sneaky Ensatina Salamanders are Heading for a Family Split, Read/Watch here
KSQD Natural History Radio Show and Podcast (2020) — Oral Talk Show
Three episodes on the natural history of Giant Salamanders and CA Red-Legged Frog
Henry Cowell State Park Invited Speaker (2020) — Oral presentation
Thermal Physiology and Conservation of Amphibians
Grad Slam Competition, UC Santa Cruz (2019) — Oral presentation
Extinction Risk: Surviving vs Thriving
Science on Tap, Hosted by WiSE (2018) — Oral Presentation
On the Brink of Extinction: A Look at our Local Amphibians
TEACHING and MENTORING EXPERIENCE
TA Disciplinary Writing Training (2019-2022)
I lead two classes a quarter for teaching assistants in our department that are teaching writing classes. I train TAs to teach writing equitably, develop rubrics, and grade efficiently.
Teaching Disciplinary Writing, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (2021)
This program provided tools and strategies to teach scientific writing. We focused on equity-minded active learning techniques that support students’ development of key skills
Teaching Assistant of the Year Award (2020)
I received the best TA award of the 2019-2020 school year in our department.
Teaching to Reduce Equity Gaps in Higher Education (2019)
I developed this graduate class and organized lectures, readings, discussions, activities, and guest lectures to discuss equity gaps and develop strategies to reduce gaps in our departments.
Creation of Departmental Scientific Writing Curriculum (2019-2020)
I solely developed writing activities and curriculum for our upper division writing classes. These 10-module lesson plan is used by all teachers to teach scientific writing skills.
Graduate Pedagogy Fellow, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (2019-2020)
I developed a hands-on TA training for my department to promote active learning and assess student writing and I took classes on effective and equitable teaching practices.
Summer Mentorship Program, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (Summer 2019)
I was the mentor for all Graduate Student Instructors in the Physical & Biological Sciences Division. I assisted them in syllabus and class design, as well as provided mentorship on integrating active learning skills and equitable practices into their classrooms.
Teaching Assistant, UC Santa Cruz
Bio 20C Introduction to Evolution and Ecology (Fall 2016, Summer 2017, Winter 2019)
Bio 141L Behavioral Ecology Field Course (Winter 2017)
Bio 107 Ecology (Spring 2017, Winter 2018)
Bio 109 Evolution (Summer 2017)
Bio 140 Behavioral Ecology (Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Summer 2019, Fall 2020)
Bio 114/L Herpetology (Spring 2018, Spring 2020)
Bio 20B Active Learning: Intro to Physiology and Development (Spring 2019)
Bio 295 Teaching to Reduce Equity Gaps in Higher Education (Fall 2019)
Bio 82 Introduction to Field Methods (Winter 2020)
Reader, University of California, Santa Cruz
ENVS 123 Animal Ecology and Conservation (Spring 2017)
Bio 114/L Herpetology (Spring 2018)
Guest Lectures, University of California, Santa Cruz
Herpetology: Snakes Physiology and Families of the World (2020)
Behavioral Ecology: Social Behavior (2019)
Physiology: Thermoregulation and Acclimation Potential (2019)
Behavioral Ecology: Macroevolution and Phylogenies (2019)
Guest Lectures, Rider University, New Jersey
Sustainability: Living a Zero Waste Life (2022)
Herpetology: Amphibian Conservation (2021)
Undergraduate Mentoring, UC Santa Cruz (2017-Now)
I mentored 20 students each quarter who help with animal care, data collection, or field work.
Senior Theses Mentored:
Cassandra Giannousis (HONORS): Effects of temperature on Skin Resistance (2020-21)
Madison Lacey (HONORS): Acclimation Potential of Anaxyrus boreas (2020-21)
Isabella Cohen: Maternal effects in A. mexicanum (2020-21)
Olivia Weaver: Thermal Acclimation Potential of Dicamptodon tenebrosus (2020)
Becca Probstmeyer: Effects of Temperature on Anti-Predator Behaviors (2019)
Aaron Gormley: Ensatina Skin Resistance and Thermal Traits (2018-19)
Brianna Boose: Sprint Speed by Temperature in Dicamptodon ensatus (2018-19)
Sophia Vámos: Acclimation Potential in A. macrodactylum (2018-19)
Elizabeth Cameron: Parasite Load by Temperature in Uta (2018-19)
Ashley Chow: Thermal Preference in Axolotls (2017-18)
SIP High School Intern Program (2018)
I worked with two high school interns, taught them science techniques and skills, and developed independent research projects.
High School Mentoring (2019)
I supervised high school interns that assisted with laboratory trials and animal care.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Sustainability Certificate Program, UC Santa Cruz (2020)
A program to examine and promote strategies for sustainability across campus.
Professional Communication Certificate Program, UCSC Grad Division (Fall 2018)
A program with workshops on how to communicate effectively, use technology tools to enhance communication, improve job prospects, and build a professional network.
Professional Development Program, Institute for Scientist & Engineer Educators (2017)
I received a certificate in Inclusive Inquiry STEM Education. I developed of hands-on activities for undergraduates, titled “Energetic Transfers: Using knowledge of energy flow in an ecosystem to create models and then refine models with data to generate hypotheses.”
Past Workshops: SCRUBs: Santa Cruz R User Base group (2018), Wilderness First Aid Certified (2017)
SERVICE and PUBLIC OUTREACH
Technical Advisory Committee, Amphibian Conservation Strategy Plan (2022-Now)
We develop strategy to guide recovery actions for local endangered amphibians and aim to stabilize and increase population size under climate change.
Graduate Student Pedagogy Training, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dept. (2019, 2021)
I organized the orientation for all incoming graduate students in our department. I taught about
Pedagogy, equitable teaching practices, and academic skills.
Secretary, Executive Committee of Tellefsen Hall Board, Cal Marching Band (2021-Now)
I oversee house functions and long-term planning for Tellefsen Hall, housing for the members of the University of California Marching Band.
Undergrad Research Fair, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department (2019, 2020)
I designed and hosted the first undergraduate research fair in our department. I organized a poster symposium, grad school workshops, and resume/cv workshops.
Panelist Member, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department
Graduate Student Orientation – TA experiences (2019, 2020, 2021)
1st Year Graduate Student Class – TA experiences (2019, 2020)
How to Go to Grad School – How to pick a school and advisor (2020)
Seminar Assistant, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department (2017-18)
I worked for my department to set up departmental speakers and presentations.
Department Graduate Representative, Graduate Student Association (2017)
I represent the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at all Graduate Student Association meetings. We work to solve graduate student issues, coordinate with the university on behalf of all graduate students, and vote of funding proposals.
Outreach Officer, Women in Science and Engineering (2016-2020)
I organize and lead science themed events to educate female students from elementary school to the undergraduate-level. These can include science classes, lab tours, and scientific skill workshops. I recruit volunteers, coordinate with the local schools, and develop activities.
Developed an Oil Spill Clean-up hands-on activity (Spring 2017)
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Skype a Scientist (2018)
I skype with classrooms around the world and teach them about my research and what it is like to be a scientist.
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PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society for Conservation Biology
Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Herpetologists’ League
Tucson Herpetological Society
American Association for the Advancement of Science
MEMBERSHIPS
Outreach Officer in the Women in Science and Engineering (2016-2020)
500 Women Scientists (2016-Now)
Santa Cruz Society for Conservation Biology