In 2025, at the start of her sophomore year at UNC-Chapel Hill, Ella Wagner was walking to class when she spotted something colorful out of the corner of her eye. It was a poster sharing information about research in Eric Riddell’s 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 works in the lab alongside PhD student Savannah Weaver studying North Carolina treefrogs. By modeling frogs in different postures and measuring how quickly they lose water through their skin, the researchers are investigating how these amphibians use behavior to cope with changing water availability.

Wagner spent this past summer expanding that work as a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF). The competitive award supports students as they spend nine weeks conducting research, giving them dedicated time to move beyond classroom learning and contribute to new discoveries.

Together, Wagner and Weaver are examining whether behavioral adaptations help treefrogs withstand environmental stressors such as heat and drought. 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.

“I’ve always been passionate about conservation and understanding how species survive in changing environments,” Wagner shares. “This project combines both of those interests, which makes it especially meaningful to me.”

The project has been an opportunity to contribute to climate and conservation research, develop new skills, and explore what a future in science might look like. UNC Research Stories spoke with Wagner about her SURF experience, the challenges of studying live frogs, and what she’s learned along the way.

What is your major and why did you decide to pursue that field?

I’m majoring in environmental science because I’ve always been interested in conservation and understanding how humans are changing the environment. After joining the Riddell Lab, I decided to add biology as a second major because it showed me how many different directions the field can take. Studying how animals respond to environmental change has strengthened my interest and confirmed that this is the kind of work I want to pursue.

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 treefrogs 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.

Because amphibians are so sensitive to changes in their environment, they serve as an indicator species, helping scientists detect the early effects of environmental stress on an ecosystem.

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.

After a lot of trial and error, I experimented with different photography setups and techniques until I found a method that consistently produced high-quality models. That experience taught me that persistence and problem-solving are just as important as technical skills in research.

How does your SURF research apply to people and the real world — even if that application doesn’t occur until much further down the road?

I hope my research will help us better understand how frogs survive during periods of limited water availability, such as droughts. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, understanding how amphibians adapt can help scientists predict which species are most vulnerable and guide future conservation efforts.

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.

Even if you aren’t sure research is for you, it never hurts to give it a chance. I started by washing dishes and cleaning equipment. Over time, I learned new techniques and took on more responsibility. You don’t need to know everything before you start — you just need to be willing to learn.

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.