Welcome to the Lab!

In our lab, we study anatomical adaptation predominantly to dietary and locomotive specialization in mammals, especially primates and carnivores.

• We analyze live animal behavior, muscle fiber architecture, and the shape of bones and teeth often in an effort to deduce the abilities (e.g., diets) of extinct species from their fossil remains.

• In addition to our anatomical research, we receive funding for projects focused on the effects of participation in STEM activities on students' interest in STEM professions, particularly students from historically marginalized backgrounds.

Lab News

Updated May 2025

Arin Berger (Biology BA '25, MS expected '27) was given the "Graduating Senior Resilience Award" by the Department of Biological Sciences and subsequently chosen from all of the other departmental winners to receive that honor from the whole College of Sciences. This award recognizes a student that has overcome significant hardship during their time at NC State and persisted through that adversity to achieve at a high level both personally and academically.

Reece Brown (Zoology BS expected '26) was given a "Harkema Award" by NC State's Department of Applied Ecology. This monetary award was given to him to support a research trip that Reece will take to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City to collect data for his project studying the Morphological Effects of Captivity on large herbivores.

Congratulations!