Current Research
Acclimation Potential and Extinction Risk in Amybstoma and Dicamptodon
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My primary project is on the within- and between-generation acclimation potential of the Axolotl and other Ambystoma species. I focus on A. mexicanum, the iconic Axolotl, which evolved in a cool lake environment and has lost the capacity to metamorphose, which is referred to as a paedomorphic life history. My work also measures the acclimation capacity of all Amybstoma species and their cool-adapted ancestor, Dicamptodon. My approach, by measuring the thermal capacities of Ambystoma, is to (1) measure the within-generation acclimation potential; (2) measure the between-generation potential of larvae based on their mother’s environmental temperature; and, (3) compare the acclimation capabilities of paedomorphic versus metamorphic species to develop an extinction risk model for Ambystomids.
Conserving SC Long-toed Salamanders, an Endemic Species Facing Low Genetic Diversity
In collaboration with USFWS, we have designed and manage the first captive breeding program for Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum. We create crosses between genetically separate populations to test for outbreeding depression. We use thermal physiology to compare survival 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. Genetic work is on going to test reproductive fitness of released larvae based on genetic cross.
Canopy Density Effects on California Red-Legged Frog Thermoregulation
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Our objective is to improve the habitat quality for a breeding population of the federally-listed California Red-Legged Frog, Rana draytonii, at the UCSC arboretum. This population has been in steady decline, seemingly from overgrown canopy coverage at their breeding site. We are (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.
Maternal Behavior Effects on Offspring Thermal Physiology in Side-Blotched Lizards
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This project studies how hours of restriction affect female temperature preference and basking behavior, and those subsequent effects offspring thermal physiology.
Past Research
Predator-prey Interaction between Mojave Rattlesnakes and Kangaroo Rats
I studied behavioral ecology with the Clark Lab from San Diego State University in 2015. We worked on the predator-prey interaction between the Mojave Rattlesnake and the Kangaroo Rat.
Captured rattlers were implanted with radio-telemetry tackers and small mammals were processed and dyed for individual identification. Rattlesnake natural strikes were recorded with standard video cameras, as well as a high speed camera. K-rat evasive maneuvers were recorded in response to 'canons' mimicking a snake strike.
Changes in k-rat body temperature, after visual noticing a snake, was collected with infrared cameras. This will be used to see if rattlers decide to strike based on k-rats being aware of them.
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Heritability of Social Conduct in Tuco-tucos
At the University of California, Berkeley, I worked in two animal behavior labs. I started out in the Lacey Lab working on animal care, but quickly graduated to developing and running a research project on Tuco-Tucos. I performed behavior trial research on pups and moms to determine the heritability of social conduct. Arena trials were completed and videotaped, and fecal matter was collected.
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Octopus and Mantis Shrimp Behavior
In the Caldwell Lab, I first worked as lab assistant and was then promoted to manager. I hired, scheduled, and trained undergraduates, and maintained communication between the PI, graduate students and undergrads.
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