Principal investigator
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Dr. Sandy Kawano
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Clemson University (2014) B.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity; University of California - Davis, with a minor in Avian Sciences (2008) A.S. in Biological Sciences, De Anza College (2005) BlueSky: @sandyk.bsky.social Twitter: @MorphoFun GitHub: @MorphoFun Email: smkawano<at>gwu.edu CV: Click HERE. My research addresses questions regarding the evolution and ecology of phenotypic and functional diversity through the lens of comparative physiology and evolutionary biomechanics. Fundamentally, I seek to explain how evolutionary changes in the musculoskeletal system facilitate or constrain the diversification of animals in different environments. Common research themes include: 1) the locomotor biomechanics across the fin-limb transition in vertebrate evolution, 2) morphological diversity driven by phenotypic selection, and 3) the eco-mechanics of locomotion across different environments. My interdisciplinary research integrates empirical and theoretical approaches, including inverse dynamics, high-speed videography, materials science and engineering, statistics, mathematics, and computer modeling. Thanks to Time Scavengers for featuring my biography on Meet the Scientist blog, and the Journal of Experimental Biology for inviting me to participate in their Early Career Conversations series! Also, happy to be a member of the R-Ladies Global community! Current members of the Fins and Limbs team are highlighted below. Our academic family tree can be found HERE. |
Photo credit: Sean DuFrene / Photographer Marketing and Communications Long Beach State University. Copyright ©2017-2018, Long Beach State University, All Rights Reserved.
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Research staff
Stay tuned!
Graduate students
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Jonathan Huie
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, George Washington University (2020 - present) B.S. in Marine Biology and Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, double major; University of Washington (2019). Twitter handle: @jmhuiee Email: jonathanmhuie<at>gmail<dot>com Webite: http://www.jonathanhuie.com/ I am broadly interested in comparative functional morphology, ecology, and macroevolution. How does the natural history of an animal shape its anatomy? Have ecologically similar taxa evolved convergent or divergent morphological adaptations? These questions have been large motivators for my recent and on-going work on fish feeding morphology and anole ecomorphology. For my PhD, I currently plan to investigate the morphology that underlies salamander locomotion and their water to land transition by integrating multi-disciplinary methods and techniques including (but not limited to) biomechanical testing and modelling, CT scanning, live animal kinematics, and phylogenetic comparative methods. |
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Undergraduate students
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Riley Lima
B.S. in Public Health, University Honors Program at George Washington University (2022-present). Email: rileylima<at>gwmail<dot>gwu<dot>edu Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-lima-611bb2256/ I have a broad range of interests including biomechanics and the evolution of movement in salamanders. I am especially interested in swimming performance and locomotion in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial salamanders. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about sustainability, especially in the field of healthcare. Throughout the rest of my undergraduate years, I am excited to uncover my most burning research questions in the fields of both biology and public health. |
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Lab mascot
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Jägermeister das Mittelschnauzer ("Jäger") CGCA TKN
Assistant Pawfessor of Zoomies Dogtorate of Philosophy in Scritches Trick Dog - Novice, American Kennel Club, 01/03/23 Therapy dog training, North Oatlands Pet Center, 06/07/22 - 08/02/22 Canine Good Citizen - Community, American Kennel Club, 08/02/22 Canine Good Citizen - Basic, American Kennel Club, 05/31/22 My name is Jäger (yes, after the potent potable), and I am a standard schnauzer. My favorite past-times are zoomies, playing fetch with squeaky tennis balls, beating up stuffed animals, getting butt scratches, hiking, swimming, and showing off my magnificent beard. I love people and was training to become a therapy dog until the symptoms of my mom's disabilities got worse so now I dedicate my time to being her service dog. I still enjoy making other people happy but please ask before saying "hi" to me and don't be offended if I'd rather focus on my mom. :) |
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Alumni
Check out alumni of the Fins and Limbs Lab!
Join the lab!
Are you also interested in studying the form and function of animals? If so, consider joining the lab!
