Lab Members
Postdoctoral Fellows
Elska Kaczmarek
(elska.kaczmarek@nau.edu) 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. |
Undergraduate students
Ani Smith
I am a sophomore majoring in biomedical science. I am hoping to pursue nursing after my time at NAU. I am interested in the field of pediatrics, specifically neonatology, which is why I wanted to work on this research project looking at infant feeding patterns. I am from Colorado, and I enjoy playing soccer, running, and hiking in my free time.
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Hannah Shideler
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
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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Alex-Ann Velasco
Maressa Kennedy
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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Lindsey Sandoval
I am a sophomore undergraduate student at NAU pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences, and I will attend dental school after graduation. I love being involved and I joined the lab to learn about new things regarding research in order to widen my skill set, specifically becoming familiarized to X-rays or working closely with the anatomical features of the animal models. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, shopping, and going to the gym!
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Lab Alumni
Check out previous lab members here!