I analyzed a partial skull of a 56.8-48.6 million year old fossil carnivore from Carnegie Mellon University. Utilizing 3D laser scanning technology, I created a virtual reconstruction of the skull to calculate bite force and bone crushing abilities. My analysis provides a clearer picture of dietary evolution within carnivores and dietary adaptations within the Eocene
In this study, comparative functional anatomy is examined on the mandible, zygomatic arch, & sagittal crest of early Eocene mammalian faunivores for insights on dietary adaptations. I compared the morphology of an extinct faunivorous, tarsier-like primate (Tetonius) and an extinct faunivore (Oxyaena). Reconstruction efforts were done with dissection of six different extant mammals. Presented at the Capstone Seminar for faculty and staff.
In April 2019, I presented a poster at the Colorado State University Celebrate Undergraduate Research and Creativity. This poster covered research on what scientific illustration is, why it is important, and my progress through starting to draw scientifically.
