Liquid Life Lab

My research interests are in the fields of functional morphology and ecological physiology. My focus is in the study of the dynamics of locomotion in animals. I examine the energetics and hydrodynamics of vertebrate swimming, with particular regard to propulsive modes and the evolution of aquatic mammals. This research is accomplished by examination of morphological structures with 3D-scanning and 3D printed models, hydrodynamics, biomechanics with motion analysis and computer digitizing, and exercise physiology by measurement of metabolic performance with oxygen consumption. Research in the Liquid Life Lab has allowed my students and me to work with a variety of animals, including fish, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, manatees, otters, platypus, muskrat, beaver, opossums, hippopotamus, frogfish, flying fish, sharks, mallard ducks, gannets, alligators, turtles, batoid rays, and whirligig beetles. The research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The research has applications in the field of biomimetics and bioinspired designs of engineered Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).