Research Interests & Ongoing Projects
Fossil Expedition Antarctica, 2016 Photo Credit, Meng Jihn
Fossil Expedition Antarctica, 2016 Photo Credit, Meng Jihn
My research combines the disciplines of comparative anatomy, developmental biology, and medicine to formulate and test hypotheses of morphological change under the influence of both short and long term stimuli. My integrative methods offer ways to investigate pattern and process in development and aging, and to help generate more comprehensive hypotheses about how form, function, and the environment interact. My tools and data types include histology, radiography, computed tomography, dissection, photography, illustration, and geometric morphometrics, among others. A significant portion of my research has formulated and tested hypotheses using various groups of fishes, many of which serve as models for human development and health. Thus, I have developed longstanding collaborative relationships with an international group of colleagues and within both basic and clinical science departments.
Active research in collaboration with medical students, graduate students, and and postgraduates
Skeletal Variation and Development
These projects allow students to look at ontogeny (growth and development) and phenotypic variation (the way things look) of the skeleton as exhibited under various growing conditions. Students participating in these projects will utilize recent fishes as the model organism.
Variation in Human Anatomy
These projects are primarily cadaveric based as we examine phenotypic variation of the human skeleton. No two humans are exactly alike and the variation observed may be clinically relevant, thus important to document and describe. Independent projects about human development, form, and/or function are encouraged.
Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology
For these projects, we also are are looking at ontogeny and phenotypic variation of the skeleton but include a deep time component and often focus on resolving the relationships of the organisms in question. Most projects include fossil and recent fishes as the model organism.
Collaborative Work with Osteopathic Physicians
In collaboration with D.O. faculty members of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at PCOM, we look to supervise students interested in pursuing research projects that combine information about variation of human form and the standardization of OMT protocols to treat somatic dysfunction.
Public Health
As faculty advisor to the Student Run Clinic, I supervise students conducting research that will help provide the best primary care advocacy to homeless women in the West Philadelphia area. This clinic, started by PCOM's own DO students, and precepted under the supervision of our physicians, provides preventative care to women living at, and moving beyond the St. Barnabas and Families Forward emergency shelters.
