I am a biologist with a focus on the interface of biology and physics. My interests, broadly, are on how the interplay of physics and biology has influenced how various organisms evolved. My research focuses on a combination of biomechanics and sensory biology. Specifically, I study the kinematics of landing behavior in ducks to examine how they detect and regulate their approach kinematics. This can influence how kinematics change in response to changes in landing substrate, such as landing on water versus a perch or the ground. By studying such behaviors and interactions, we can elucidate how birds’ landing behaviors may be constrained by various aspects of the mechanics of flight and/or their sensory capabilities. This knowledge regarding how birds compensate and adapt to physical constraints can be informative about the evolution of flight, as well as be a source of bio-inspiration and biomimetic design in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
