Dr. David Baier

Teaching

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy with Lab (BIO 201/201L)

Human Anatomy with Lab (BIO 205/205L)

Gross Human Anatomy with Lab (BIO 402/402L)

Research (BIO 395/396/495/496)

Research

We study the evolution of locomotion primarily through the lens of XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) – which combines synchronized, biplanar high-speed video and 3D digital skeletal reconstructions to “reanimate” skeletal motion of animals performing tasks. On one hand, locomotion is a machine-like, coordinated interaction between multi-jointed limbs. On the other hand, these machines are evolving over time often taking on dramatically novel functions. Uncovering how muscles, ligaments, articular cartilages, and bones interact to produce motion in living animals is critical to untangling such evolutionary puzzles. Our current work focuses on archosaur locomotion, the group consisting of crocodilians, dinosaurs, and birds. We are exploring both big picture evolutionary changes (forelimbs to wings) and smaller scale evolution within birds (vertical climbing in nuthatches and woodpeckers).

Interested in joining the Baier Lab?

If you’re interested in becoming a part of our research team, please email me.