Principal investigator
|
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 GitHub: @MorphoFun Email: sandyk<at>virginia.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.
|
Research staff
Stay tuned!
Undergraduate students
Stay tuned!
Lab mascot
|
Jägermeister das Mittelschnauzer ("Jäger") BCAT CGCA TKN
Assistant Pawfessor of Zoomies Dogtorate of Philosophy in Scritches Beginner Coursing Ability Test (BCAT), American Kennel Club, 11/01/25 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, 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. :) |
|
|
|
Photo credit: Dean Lake Photography
|
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!
