During my freshman year of undergrad, I participated in my first-ever research experience landmarking CT scans of anuran vertebral columns in RStudio. I used these measurements to compare how anuran vertebrae differed across species.

I had the opportunity to develop research questions using these data, which led to a publication in Evolution. Working closely with my advisor, Dr. Molly Womack, I found that there is variation in vertebral shape and size across microhabitats, indicating that species have adapted their vertebral columns to their environments.

This project added to a broader evolutionary understanding of anurans and how they differ across the phylogeny. The results from this study can be applied to future research that seeks to elucidate how evolutionary processes may alter a species’ survival over time.