​​​​Aaron Gormley

Over the course of about a year, I planned, prepared, and executed a large-scale thermodynamics experiment.

I designed protocols for all experimentation and data collection, as well as training team members and personally overseeing most hands-on work.

67 individuals of Ensatina eschscholtzii, spanning six subspecies, were collected and studied in controlled climate environments for several months.

Their skin resistance, thermal acclimatory potential, and performance in different temperatures was measured.

With a combination of statistical models, GIS mapping, and predictive distribution software, I was able to derive numerical predictions for ensatina survival and distribution shift as climate change continues to worsen.

My predictions indicate that two subspecies of ensatina are at critical risk for extinction under predicted climate change.