Paleontology

Interests

While I am interested in the geological processes that are foundational to producing fossilized organisms, my primary interest is in fossilized vertebrate biology. My goal is to study and describe the anatomy of diapsids occurring throughout the Permian and Triassic at a professional level. I want apply my acquired knowledge toward understanding the relationship between taxa, paleoecology, and evolutionary experimentation during this time frame.

Archosauromorpha

All primary vertebral groups of interest are nested within this clade. I am interested in the description, ecology, and anatomy of basal members within this group. I want to utilize comparative anatomy to observe novel characters in this group’s early radiation and generate hypotheses regarding their environment and phylogenetic relationships.

Archosauria

To supplement my study of the Archosauromorpha, I would like to study basal and derived members from across the Mesozoic. The gradation of pseudosuchian representation to ornithodiran predominance is a subject I would like to explore further along with the lineages that would later radiate into the more popularly known dinosaurs and suchians.

Images taken by Alex Bounassi (left) and Symonne Liu (middle and right).

Research Experience

I have extensive work with extant, terrestrial vertebrate skeletons, skins, and µCT scans along with extinct µCT scans mapping dentition, bones, and neurovasculature. My paleontological research utilizes comparative anatomical observation on extant taxa for understanding derived dinosaurs. My most recent work is in the description of an abelisaurid theropod with an additional project exploring synapsid ontogeny.

Field Experience

My field work is currently restricted to Mesozoic formations in small crews of 2-4 individuals. I want to increase my experience in more diverse settings in the coming years with the support of an affiliated institution for my research.

Lab Experience

Much of my lab work is with extant organisms and fossil preparation. Regarding the extant, I have prepared skins, skeletons, and alcohol preservation of birds and mammals for museum collections and student use. Especially relevant to this paleontology, I have experience preparing fossils of fish and non-avian dinosaurs.