Biography
My research is in biomechanics and functional morphology, using principals from physics and engineering to understand how organisms tune morphology to ecology. Using a variety of methodologies, including working with physical specimens, CT data, and models, I investigate the effects of functional trade-offs and the limits imposed by evolutionary history on ‘specialized’ morphologies, and how these changes in morphology allow for diversification and invasion of new niches. In this way I can understand what aspects of a particular structure are key to function, compare between related taxa, and look for convergence. I am particularly interested in the evolution of specialized dentitions, but have worked on a wide range of other research questions.
Courses
- Introduction to Mechanisms of Multicellular Life
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy