Research
What's this about DiceCT?
Since 2021, I have been working with the poison dart frog genus Phyllobates under the tutelage of celebrated herpetologist Dr. Roberto Márquez. For three years, my research has focused on the formation and transformation of color throughout maturation— Dr Márquez and I discovered melanin in Phyllobates dermal layers, a previously theorized but unproven mechanism behind dramatic color change during adulthood. In 2024, my research is now shifting to whole-body CT scanning and publishing a procedure to prepare poison dart specimens for this process. To listen to me discuss my work and results in great depth, watch the video linked above!
I have extensive experience with the husbandry of these animals, including feeding and handling at all stages of their lives. In 2022, I was awarded a Blue Ribbon at an undergraduate research symposium by the University of Michigan for outstanding original research.
DiceCT is a process that allows non-invasive imaging of internal soft tissues. Through DiceCT, scientists can digitally dissect intact specimens.​​
​
Unfortunately, amphibians are difficult to scan because they are prone to desiccation. The common solution (airtight sealing) obscures the epidermal poison glands of interest. This required me to create my own method of packaging and scanning.
What you see to the left is likely the first ever DiceCT image of a poison gland.