Dr. T. Kyle R. Mara

My research interests can be broadly defined as vertebrate functional morphology and biomechanics. I am particularly interested in how differences in structure translate to changes in performance. My past and current research illustrates two themes that investigate the relationship among structure, function, and performance: 1) the evolution of novel head and feeding morphologies and the consequences of changes in head morphology on feeding biology (kinematics, morphology, and biomechanics) and 2) the effects of differences in center of mass position (as a result of morphological, kinematic, or postural changes) on locomotor biomechanics.  I am also quite interested in improving teaching and learning in STEM classes through the use of educational interventions and collaborations with colleagues in Educational Psychology.