Experimental soft matter and organismal biology research group
Our lab investigates questions at the interface of experimental soft matter physics and organismal biophysics. In particular, we are interested in understanding how the physics of natural environments drives and constrains adaptations in terrestrial animals. Through biological and soft matter physics experiments as well as the use of analytical, computational, and robotic models, we take a comparative approach and seek to understand questions such as: How does the physics of natural substrates affect animal behaviors and built structures? What are the functions and benefits of convergently evolved features on animal exteriors? How do observed features and behaviors vary across animals and environments?