Research

The small-scale features that decorate biological surfaces can significantly affect behavior, yet the diversity of animal–environment interactions essential for survival makes ascribing functions to structures challenging. We take a comparative approach and use a combination of surface characterization techniques, soft matter experiments, biological experiments, mathematical models, and physical models to investigate potential functions associated with the diversity of microscopic features present on highly specialized biological surfaces such as animal skins.

The Earth’s surface is covered with soft and deformable substrates for which the physics is not well understood, yet animals that live in these diverse environments must proficiently and effectively manipulate these complex materials to survive. We perform soft matter physics experiments and create mathematical models to understand frictional interactions and force generation within complex materials.

Manipulation of the terrestrial world to create and maintain functional structures is a common strategy employed by a diversity of animals across taxa. Though the size and complexity of these structure varies widely – from  relatively simple earthworm burrows  to the meters-high nests of cathedral termites – there are functional similarities across systems. We focus on structures that require large reconfigurations of the surrounding environment, that are highly adaptive, and robust to external perturbations. Through a combination of biological experiments, soft matter experiments, and mathematical modeling, we investigate how complex structures created by fire ants balance internal conditions with structural stability and withstand environmental perturbations.