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. 
Download my CV
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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
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
Ani Smith
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I am a senior this year majoring in biomedical science. After graduating, I plan to go to graduate school to pursue my PhD. I am interested in studying biomechanics and how neuromotor function changes across ontogeny. This year, I have a Hooper Undergraduate Research Award and am working on a project investigating feeding performance on single- and branched-ducted biomimetic nipples and the relationship between milk flow rate, suction generation and tongue kinematics. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with friends and hiking in my free time.
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Hannah Shideler
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I joined the lab as a second-year psychological sciences major (Fall ‘22) with an interest in obstetrics and infant health. I plan to use what I learn in the lab to help new moms with their feeding journey. I hope to do future research on natural birth as well as how maternal health and infant health coincide.
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Skyler Wallace
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I 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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Maressa Kennedy
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I am a junior at Northern Arizona University majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in psychology. I have an interest in obstetrics and infant health with the hopes of attending medical school, so I can become an OB-GYN. I plan to utilize what I learn in this lab in my future career, specifically by helping new moms with the feeding process. Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing soccer, cooking, and hiking.
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Harlow Smith
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I’m in my third 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 Callis
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I 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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Lab Alumni
Check out previous lab members here!