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About me
About me
I am a Scottish evolutionary biologist and vertebrate palaeontologist. My research is focused on major evolutionary transitions: understanding both how and why the vertebrate body-plan undergoes radically transformation when adapting to new niches. I take an interdisciplinary approach including biomechanics, comparative anatomy, neuroanatomy, nomenclature, philosophy of biology, phylogenetics, and systematics/taxonomy.
I am a Scottish evolutionary biologist and vertebrate palaeontologist. My research is focused on major evolutionary transitions: understanding both how and why the vertebrate body-plan undergoes radically transformation when adapting to new niches. I take an interdisciplinary approach including biomechanics, comparative anatomy, neuroanatomy, nomenclature, philosophy of biology, phylogenetics, and systematics/taxonomy.
I collaborate with researchers from across the globe, and I'm always excited to work with new people!
I collaborate with researchers from across the globe, and I'm always excited to work with new people!
Research areas
Research areas
(1) The land-to-sea transition of fossil marine crocodylomorphs
Focusing on the biology of Thalattosuchia (marine crocs that evolved flippers and a tail fin during the Age of Dinosaurs). My research includes understanding their endocranial anatomy, sensory systems, evolutionary relationships, and morpho-functional diversity.
Thalattosuchians are an excellent exemplar of aquatic specialisations. They give us an insight into common evolutionary pathways secondarily aquatic vertebrates undergo.
(2) The air-to-land transition within Columbidae (pigeons & doves)
Focusing on the biology of the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) and the Solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria). My research includes understanding their skeletal anatomy, locomotory biomechanics, and evolutionary relationships.
The Dodo is not only an icon of conservation, but it provides an insight into the evolutionary pathways secondarily flightless birds undergo.
(3) Philosophy of biology
The goal of the sciences is to cumulatively gather descriptive and ultimately causal understanding of objects and events. My research focuses on ensuring my work is compatible with the goal of scientific inquiry, and to promote a view of biology and biological research that encapsulates biological theory, applied technological innovation, with a philosophical underpinning.
(4) Promotion of best practice in descriptive biology and zoological nomenclature
Given the current 'Age of Extinctions' we are living through, and the dire shortage of trained taxonomists, there is a greater need than ever to ensure that taxonomic and descriptive research meets best practice and is compatible with the goal of scientific inquiry.
Professional experience
Professional experience
I am an ICZN Commissioner, a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, and a member of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). I have Chartered Biologist status, registered with the RSB. I'm a member of two IUCN Species Survival Commission groups: the Crocodile Specialist Group, and the Pigeon & Dove Specialist Group.
I am the editor-in-chief of the international scientific journal Historical Biology. I am also an editor for PeerJ and PeerJ Open Advances in Zoology.
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