Academic Research

The application of computed tomography (CT) in Vertebrate Paleontology has proven to be very useful for examining the internal anatomy of various vertebrates (specifically: tetrapods) and for testing hypotheses regarding the interrelationships of the significant early tetrapod groups. Amniotes (fully terrestrial vertebrates) represent one of the major lineages of vertebrates with an evolutionary history of about 320 million years. However, many uncertainties remain regarding the early evolutionary history of the group during the Paleozoic. 
This project will involve utilizing micro-CT data to investigate and digitally segment an early amniote's internal skull (endocranial) anatomy. It will also include an anatomical description of the newly revealed anatomy and perform updated phylogenetic analyses. The research will contribute important information that will lead to a more thorough understanding of early amniote evolution.

Advanced undergraduate students (from second year) 
Master's students 
Ph.D. students 

Readings into vertebrate paleontology and specifically into the early evolution of amniotes (reptiles and synapsids).