Grant: Canada Research Chairs

My research in animal biomechanics uses a multidisciplinary, mechanistic approach with experimental tools from engineering, mechanics, physiology, and biochemistry. We will conduct integrative studies of biomechanics in fishes, particularly the specializations that power high- speed and unsteady manoeuvres. We will study the hydrodynamics of thrust production by lunate tails, a convergent feature of certain fishes and cetaceans. We will also expand the scope of new research on the biomechanics and the evolution of large body size in whales. This will involve studies of specialized anatomy of the head and jaws, the vascular system, and the mechanics and energetic of engulfment feeding.