We want to understand how Anuran (frogs & toads) ecomorphology (an animal’s physiologic adaptation to their environment), adapts to changing temperatures. This is especially important to understand due to climate change. Previous research on trait divergence across elevation has shown that species in different genera exhibit morphological change across elevation with high-elevation species showing increased tolerance to colder temperatures. This has been well documented within Birds and Mammals, which have been shown to follow Bergmann’s and Allen’s Rule. Additionally, it has been shown that Anuran species at high-elevations exhibit phenotypic convergence, with distantly related species showing similar physical characteristics with shorter limbs and larger body sizes as a thermoregulatory strategy. One of the questions I am most interested in studying is why a greater proportion of high elevation Anurans have lost their inner ear structures structures.

Nesting Bird Surveying on the Wildlife Urban Interface in the Conejo Valley, helping to identify nesting bird behaviors and nests in order to protect bird species from brush clearing activities to prevent damage to houses by wildfires.

Working with children between ages 8 and 15 with special needs including Autism and Down Syndrome. Working closely with parents in the home environment, collecting data, and providing Applied Behavior Analysis services to help develop a care plan.