Ongoing:
Examining the role of urbanization in shaping head morphology and diet in ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus)
New York University, New York, NY
Department of Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Kristin Winchell
This study focuses on the variation in Diadophis punctatus head morphology across a range of environments in the northeastern U.S. By performing morphometric and stable isotope analysis on museum specimens, we evaluate the relationship between morphological variation (head shape), diet, and environmental variation in this relatively understudied but urban-tolerant species.
Ongoing:
Podracis siculus Ecology in New York City and Long Island
New York University, New York, NY
Department of Biology
Winchell Lab
This project aims to study the ecology and potential adaptation of the introduced Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) in New York City and its surrounding area. Through a variety of methods, such as geometric morphometrics (via X-ray and 3D photogrammetry), DNA sequencing and metabarcoding, and stable Isotope analysis, we aim to gain an insight on how P. siculus adjusts to the high-stress environment after its recent introduction.
Henry Xie 