This junior sees tree frogs in her future
Biology/environmental science major Ella Wagner studies how this “indicator species” helps scientists detect ecosystem stress.
As a sophomore, Ella Wagner spotted a colorful poster sharing information about research in the Eric Riddell Lab. Combining experimental biology with computer modeling, the Riddell Lab uncovers the physiological processes that influence where species can live, how they adapt to new conditions and why some are more vulnerable to extinction than others.
Now, Wagner is a junior double-majoring in environmental science and biology in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. She works alongside doctoral student Savannah Weaver studying North Carolina tree frogs and how these amphibians cope with changing water availability. Their findings could help improve scientists’ understanding of how amphibians respond to changing climate and whether those responses make them more vulnerable or resilient over time.
As a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow, Wagner spent nine weeks this summer conducting research, contributing to new discoveries and exploring what a future in science might look like.
“I’ve always been passionate about conservation and understanding how species survive in changing environments,” Wagner said. “This project combines both of those interests, which makes it especially meaningful to me.”
Here’s what Wagner shared about her SURF experience, the challenges of studying live frogs and what she’s learned along the way.
What are the main goals of your SURF project?
Frogs have thin, permeable skin, meaning water can easily move between their bodies and the environment. Because of that, they lose water quickly and have to find ways to avoid drying out.
I’m studying a behavior called water conservation posture, where tree frogs tuck their bodies in to reduce the amount of skin that’s exposed to the air and help them retain water. Using digital 3D models, I compare frogs displaying this posture with frogs that aren’t in order to see how much they reduce their exposed surface area.
In addition to lab work, Wagner and hear team conduct field research to study treefrogs in their natural habitat. (Megan Mendenhall/UNC Research)
Share a challenge that arose during your research project this summer.
The biggest challenge was figuring out how to create accurate 3D models of live frogs. The software requires about 100 photos taken from many different angles while the frog stays perfectly still. As you can imagine, that’s much easier said than done.
How has this research experience changed the way you think about your field or about problem-solving in general?
This experience has shown me that research is rarely straightforward. Setbacks are a normal part of the process, and things almost never work exactly as you expect them to. Learning how to adapt and solve problems is just as important as collecting data.
It’s also made me appreciate how much we still have to learn about the natural world, which has made me even more excited to contribute to that knowledge.
What would you say to students who feel intimidated or unsure if they belong in research?
I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to reach out to a lab, even if they don’t think they’re qualified. Everyone starts somewhere, and research is all about learning. Being curious, asking questions, and being willing to try are often more important than already knowing everything.
If you could sum up your summer research experience in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Inspiring. This summer showed me just how fascinating science can be. I came to the lab every day genuinely excited to be there and eager to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I was always learning something new.
More than anything, this experience made me excited about my future. I now see so many possibilities ahead of me, and I can’t wait to see where research takes me next.
