Research Interests

I'm interested in linking functional morphology and energetics to ecology in mammals, specifically hominoids. How do the energetic physiology and musculoskeletal anatomy of an animal reflect its performance, ecological niche, and evolutionary history?

My research uses a combined modeling and experimental approach to test hypotheses regarding selection pressures shaping locomotor anatomy in apes, humans, and extinct hominins. I investigate these hypotheses by measuring metabolic energy expenditure in apes, humans, and other species, and by exploring optimal control and morphological solutions to different selection pressures through numerical and computer modeling.

Fieldwork

I'm also involved in the ongoing excavations in the Lower Paleolithic site of Dmanisi in the Republic of Georgia. Fieldwork there provides an exciting opportunity to apply results from the lab to the fossil record. Dated to 1.8 mya, Dmanisi is a particularly interesting site as it's the earliest evidence of hominids (Homo ergaster) outside of Africa.

Other Projects

Locomotor energetics, kinematics, and kinetics of chimpanzees with Daivd Raichlen and Michael Sockol

Locomotor biomechanics of the Dmanisi hominids with Tea Jashashvili, Philip Rightmire, and David Lordkipanidze

Telemetered recording of heart rate and kinematics in primates with David Raichlen

Energy costs of climbing and terrestrial travel in chimpanzees in Kibale Nat'l Park, Uganda

Ontogeny of ranging behavior in wild chimpanzees

Response of trabecular orientation to changes in joint reaction force with Dan Lieberman, Maureen Devlin, Eric Momin, Benedikt Hallgrimsson, David Cooper, and John Polk