I have always held a deep fascination with the reptiles, ever since I found my first Eastern Box Turtle in the woods near my house at 7 years old. My primary research focus addresses anatomical questions using both fossil and modern animal studies. I am particularly interested in the reptile feeding apparatus, and using it to address broad biological questions. My early research revolved around the ziphodont tooth morphology, associated behaviors, and the traces these teeth leave on bones, starting with Komodo dragons and theropod dinosaurs as study systems for my graduate work. Since then, I have applied these data to fossil assemblages to draw conclusions about Mesozoic ecosystems. I investigate dental morphology and performance in numerous taxa such as crocodylomorphs, snakes, skinks, and monitor lizards. Recently I have started to explore the biomechanical influences that result in changes in tooth implantation, tooth loss, and beak development across reptiles in deep time. This subject matter is truly my passion, and I enjoy communicating this to students in the classroom, laboratory, and in outreach.
A native Long Islander, I fell in love with Western New York during my college years and now call Buffalo my home. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my children, drawing and painting, nature hikes, cooking, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am a movie and comic book enthusiast, and I love to travel.
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