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| Main Focus
The goal of the Shadwick Biomechanics Laboratory is largely to approach studies of the marine environment from a quantitative, engineering-based approach. Thus, we strive to incorporate proven engineering technologies and methodologies into the study of locomotion, biomaterials, and morphology in the marine environment. Research
Interests 1. Skeletal connective tissue mechanics and animal locomotion- That is, how are forces distributed and motion achieved in organisms. This holistic area involves knowledge of the skeletal framework, force generating musculature, and limits defined by the materials that comprise an organism. 2. Energetics and mechanics of fish swimming- To study the intricacies of locomotion in fishes, is a truly exquisite endeavor. Complex 3-D arrangements of musculature coupled with complex activation patterns has long been an interesting problem. 3. Hemodynamics and mechanical design of circulatory systems- How do vastly different-sized organisms deal with circulation? A study of pressures, flow, and the materials that generate and constrain them. 4. Marine biomaterials- A current project involves the egg capsules from marine snails (whelks) and is aimed at characterizing this interesting structural biomaterial. Techniques involve materials testing, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry. |
