Lab Members
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Christopher Mayerl,
Principal Investigator ([email protected]) Ph.D. Biological Sciences, Clemson University (2018) M.S. Biology, Vrije Universidad Brussel (2013) B.S. Zoology, Humboldt State University (2011) I'm broadly interested in the interactions between anatomy, physiology, and the environment that result in organismal performance. I started out as a herpetologist, and my dissertation work focused on how novel structural traits impact performance and physiology in turtles. After finishing my Ph.D. I worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Rebecca German at Northeast Ohio Medical University, studying infant feeding physiology, and how preterm birth impacts an individuals ability to feed. I eventually combined my background in evolutionary biomechanics with this work, and am now investigating how thinking about feeding from an evolutionary perspective might impact clinical care. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, and have been taking advantage of the beauty of Flagstaff to hike around the area. 
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Postdoctoral Fellows
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Elska Kaczmarek
([email protected])
Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University (2023) B.S. Marine Science, Biology, and Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami (2017) I am interested in biomechanics and how it informs broader questions about function, adaptation, and evolution. My current research explores how the biomechanics, physiology, and performance of bottle-fed infants are influenced by bottle nipple structure. Specifically, I am seeking to answer whether we can improve infant feeding outcomes by designing a bottle nipple that mimics the ducted structure of most mammalian breast tissue. During my PhD, I studied the biomechanics of air breathing and suction feeding in fish. I was particularly interested in how the air-breathing behaviors of extant fishes can shed light on deep evolutionary transformations of behavior, function, and anatomy. |
Graduate students
Thomas Stroud
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[email protected]
M.S.- Biology, Ball State University, 2022 B.S.- Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Tennessee Technological University, 2019 I am broadly interested in the physiological mechanisms underlying animal movement from an ecological and evolutionary perspective. More specifically, I am driven by questions of how vertebrates (tetrapods, specifically) transition between complex environments and how the musculoskeletal system responds to environmental change. Although I have worked with every major group of vertebrates, I have a special fondness for reptiles and amphibians (and a very few select fish). My previous research has focused on the biomechanics of locomotion in Basilisk lizards (Basiliscus plumifrons) and how they navigate through complex environments at the air-water interface. My dissertation research focuses on the functional morphology and biomechanics of underwater walking in turtles. |
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Dylan Anderson
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([email protected])
M.S Biology, Northern Arizona University (2024-Present) B.S Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (2023) AS Biological Sciences, South Louisiana Community College (2020) My research interests lie broadly within biomechanics and functional morphology. I am interested in the differences in feeding and drinking in modern day reptiles and amphibians. Specifically, what happens after food or liquid enters the mouth and how does transport differ between food items? Throughout my research, I hope to spread awareness of conservation efforts in reptiles and amphibians, and develop better management strategies for endangered/threatened species. Outside of school, I like to go bird watching and herping! |
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Emily Volpe
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([email protected])
M.S Biology, Northern Arizona University (2024-Present) B.S. Integrative Biology, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame IN (2024) I am interested in biomechanics and how it can inform broader questions about evolution and form and function. During my undergrad at Saint Mary's my senior project looked at (and is still investigating) food transport in Amia calva through the use of X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM). We are trying to answer questions of how these fish are able to get food from the mouth into the stomach without shearing teeth or a mobile tongue. My current research will be broadly exploring the differences in how premature pigs feed on a ducted nipple vs a cisternic nipple, and how term pigs do the same. |
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Undergraduate students
Hannah ShidelerI am a senior majoring in biomedical science and psychological science. My goal is to go to medical school to continue my studies with a specific interest in maternal and infant health. I have the Hooper Undergraduate Research Award for studying oral volume and tongue kinematic differences between ducted and cisternic nipples in infant feeding. Outside of my studies, I enjoy swimming and spending time with friends.
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Skyler WallaceI am a senior undergraduate student at NAU studying biology and chemistry. I have an interest in obstetrics and naturopathic medicine. I hope to use what I learn in this lab to help infants suffering from dysphasia in an effective and natural way. Outside of my studies, I am a member of the NAU cross country and track and field team so I spend a lot of my time out on the trails.
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Harlow SmithI’m in my fourth year at NAU, pursuing a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology! I am interested in understanding developmental processes and adaptations that contribute to survival and fitness. I plan to attend graduate school to further my education and eventually pursue a career in research or academia. My goal is to contribute to our understanding of how organisms evolve and adapt to their environments, with a particular interest in the interplay with ecology. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time in nature and being with friends.
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Helaina CallisI am a sophomore at Northern Arizona University. I’m currently pursuing a degree in biology however I am interested in areas involving human anatomy, epidemiology, public health, and biochemistry. However what I am most interested in is research and I plan to pursue a career in research. I hope to learn through this lab how to create impactful research and gain experience working in a lab setting. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my friends and traveling. |
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Cate PradhanHello! My name is Cate Pradhan and I am in my third year at Northern Arizona University. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science and I am interested in a career in medicine. I’m fascinated not only by the anatomical aspect of medicine, but the social and human aspect as well. The Mayerl Lab provides me with related opportunities such as hands on surgical experience, data analysis and processing, and animal supervision. Outside science, things I enjoy include motorsport, riding my road bike, and being creative with my outfits!
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Lab Alumni
Check out previous lab members here!