Luke Holbrook

Dr. Luke Holbrook is a Full Professor in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University's College of Science & Mathematics. He specializes in the phylogeny and evolution of mammals, particularly perissodactyls (horses, rhinos, tapirs), using anatomical data from fossils and living species to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and analyze trait convergence.

• Post-Doctoral Associate, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Ph.D. in Biology, University of Massachusetts
• M.S. in Biology, University of Massachusetts
• B.S. in Biology, Fordham University

Dr. Holbrook's research focuses on mammalian evolutionary history, including the origin of perissodactyls in India, the role of the end-Cretaceous extinction in placental mammal diversification, and the convergent evolution of complex traits like large body size and tooth morphology. His work integrates fossil data with molecular clocks to determine lineage divergence timing.

His 15 most recent publications span topics such as placental mammal brain evolution, early Eocene mammal biogeography, dental adaptations in perissodactyls, and vertebral specialization in hoofed mammals. These studies employ methodologies including cladistics, geometric morphometrics, and microCT scanning for virtual specimen analysis.

Dr. Holbrook teaches courses in evolution, comparative anatomy, and interdisciplinary biology/history. He collaborates internationally with institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and uses advanced imaging technology in his lab. While no formal awards are listed here, his research has been widely shared across academic and mainstream platforms.