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Benedict King is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Linguistic and Cultural Evolution at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, where he contributes to the Comparative Oceanic Linguistics (CoOL) team. His research focuses on constructing phylogenetic trees of language relationships using Bayesian methods to explore language origins, spread, and evolutionary dynamics. He holds a BA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge (UK), a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Flinders University (Australia), and previously worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Naturalis Biodiversity Center (Netherlands). King’s research interests bridge evolutionary biology, paleontology, and linguistics. He investigates evolutionary transitions in early vertebrates (e.g., placoderms, coelacanths) and applies computational models to study language evolution. His work emphasizes improving phylogenetic methodologies and integrating fossil evidence with statistical frameworks. Notable projects include analyzing Philippine language migrations and reconfiguring actinistian phylogenies through Devonian fish fossils. His publications reflect interdisciplinary strengths, combining vertebrate paleontology with linguistic phylogenetics. Recent work supports rapid Austronesian expansions and hybrid Indo-European language origins. Awards include the Oxford University Press Prize for Biosciences and recognition for his PhD publication. King actively engages in public science communication through platforms like The Conversation and GitHub repositories.

• Phylogenetic Analysis
• Evolutionary Biology
• Paleontology
• +4 more

Sophie Sanchez is an Associate Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in Evolution and Development. Her research focuses on vertebrate evolution, using advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron microtomography to study fossilized anatomy and developmental processes. She has contributed significantly to understanding sensory organ evolution in jawed vertebrates, early tetrapod development, and the structural adaptations of ancient fish. Key work includes studies on placoderms, osteostracans, and the molecular bases of evolutionary innovations. Her findings bridge paleontology with developmental biology, employing cutting-edge microscopy to reveal hidden biological details in fossils. Publications highlight her expertise in fossil musculature, bone histology, and genomic evolution, with high-impact contributions to journals like Nature and Science . Collaborative projects involve global teams analyzing Devonian and Permian vertebrates, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to evolutionary questions.

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Comparative Anatomy
• +3 more

Stephanie E. Pierce is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology at Harvard University, affiliated with the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ). She serves as Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology and Interim Curator of Mammalogy at the MCZ. Her research focuses on the evolution of vertebrate musculoskeletal systems, integrating biomechanics, paleontology, and functional morphology to understand how form and function evolved in tetrapods and synapsids. Key projects include studying postural transitions in synapsids, the evolution of the mammalian vertebral column, and the functional adaptations enabling terrestrialization in early tetrapods. Dr. Pierce's work is supported by grants such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant 1524523, which examines the functional evolution of the mammalian backbone. Her lab, the Stephanie Pierce Lab, collaborates widely and includes postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and international teams. Recent work has revealed insights into the radiation of reptiles post-mass extinctions and the discovery of early South American predators. She has also been featured in podcasts and media for her contributions to paleontology and evolutionary biology. Her research spans disciplines including evolutionary biomechanics, paleohistology, and computational modeling, with a focus on major transitions in vertebrate evolution. She leads projects that bridge the gap between extant and extinct organisms to reconstruct ancestral functional traits and evolutionary trajectories.

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biomechanics
• +3 more

Grzegorz Niedzwiedzki is a Researcher at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in vertebrate palaeontology and early tetrapod evolution. He holds a PhD from the University of Warsaw (2013) and has conducted expeditions across Poland, Russia, Tunisia, Greenland, and Sweden. His research focuses on Triassic-Jurassic vertebrate ecosystems, coprolite analysis, and early dinosaur evolution. Education: PhD in Biology (2013), University of Warsaw Master's in Biology (2007), University of Warsaw Bachelor's in Biology (2004), University of Warsaw Research Interests: Grzegorz's work analyzes fossilized footprints, coprolites, and skeletal remains to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. He has pioneered studies on Early Triassic predator ecosystems via coprolites and contributed to understanding dinosaur dietary habits through coprolite microbiota analysis. His fieldwork has uncovered critical fossils like the archosaur Smok wawelski and Early Jurassic dinosaur tracks. Key Achievements: Recipient of multiple prestigious awards (National Geographic grants, Prime Minister's Special Award) Over 100 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Nature , Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology , and Acta Palaeontologica Polonica Co-discoverer of the oldest known mammaliaform fossil in Greenland Grants & Collaborations: Multiple international expeditions funded by Polish and Swedish institutions Collaborations with the American Museum of Natural History and Uppsala University Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Uppsala University's Evolution and Development research group and collaborates globally on fossil expeditions and synchrotron imaging projects.

• Palaeobiology
• Palaeoecology
• Vertebrate Palaeontology
• +3 more

Duncan J. Irschick is a Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, leading the Irschick Lab and co-founding initiatives like Digital Life and the Center for Evolutionary Materials. His research integrates evolutionary biology, biomechanics, and technology to study animal movement, adhesion systems, and 3D imaging. He earned a B.S. from UC Davis (1991) and a Ph.D. from Washington University, St. Louis (1996). Research focuses on gecko adhesion (GeckskinTM), 3D imaging (BeastcamTM), and bioinspired technologies. He explores how animal form and function inform synthetic design, with applications in conservation, robotics, and material science. His work spans diverse taxa, including sharks, salamanders, and reptiles, emphasizing functional morphology and evolutionary adaptation. Key achievements include over 137 peer-reviewed publications, patents on adhesives, and global media recognition. Awards include UMass Amherst's Outstanding Research Award (2014), Chancellor's Medal (2014), and Distinguished Faculty Lecture (2016). He has delivered 76 invited talks worldwide and collaborates with engineers, computer scientists, and conservationists. His lab develops open-access 3D models via Digital Life, aiding education and conservation. Current projects include studying elasmobranch energetics, reptile locomotion, and biomimetic materials. Grants from NIH, NSF, and private foundations fund this multidisciplinary work.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Animal Behavior
• Bioinspiration
• +3 more

Elizabeth Brainerd is the Robert P. Brown Professor of Biology and Professor of Medical Science in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Brown University. She has been a leading figure in vertebrate biomechanics and evolutionary morphology since joining Brown in 2005, where she directs the Keck XROMM Core Facility. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor (1994-1999) and Associate Professor (2000-2005) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on biomechanics and evolutionary morphology, combining anatomical studies with engineering principles to understand animal movement. Brainerd is a pioneer of X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) technology, which enables 3D visualization of skeletal movement in living animals. Her work spans diverse vertebrate groups including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, with applications to feeding, breathing, and locomotion mechanics. Brainerd's research has been consistently supported by major NSF grants, including the development of microXROMM for high-resolution imaging of small animals. Her publications reveal a trajectory from foundational work on breathing mechanics to innovative applications of XROMM technology across multiple vertebrate systems, particularly in suction feeding mechanics and skeletal kinematics. Her scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2004) Distinguished Research Achievement Award from Brown University (2019) Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy (2020) Joseph S. Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in Ichthyology (2021) Bidder Prize Lecture from the Society for Experimental Biology (2023) Brainerd has mentored 7 doctoral students and 5 MS students to completion, plus over 50 undergraduate researchers. She has served as President of both the International Society of Vertebrate Morphology (2016-2019) and the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (2019-2021). Her teaching includes undergraduate courses in Comparative Anatomy, Comparative Physiology, and Human Physiology, graduate courses in Muscle Architecture and Biomechanics, and medical education in Human Anatomy.

• Biomechanics
• Evolutionary Morphology
• Vertebrate Anatomy
• +7 more

Michael Coates is a Professor in the Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago, focusing on early vertebrate diversity and evolution. His research integrates paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and phylogenetics, with ongoing projects on tetrapod origins, shark-like fish evolution, and ray-finned fish radiation. He was elected a 2021 AAAS Fellow for his contributions to vertebrate paleontology. Education: B.Sc. (1982) and Ph.D. (1988) in Vertebrate Paleontology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Research Interests: Coates explores evolutionary transitions such as the fin-to-limb transformation, early gnathostome phylogeny, and the role of fossils in developmental evolution. His work often combines large datasets, molecular data, and advanced imaging techniques like CT scanning. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize vertebrate phylogeny, fossil record completeness, and developmental evolution. Subfields include tetrapod origins, shark morphology, fish brain evolution, and evo-devo mechanisms. Scientific Awards: 2021 AAAS Fellow Advising & Collaborations: Coates has mentored notable alumni including Dr. Lauren Sallan (OIST Marine Macroevolution Unit) and Dr. Tom Stewart (Penn State University). He collaborates extensively with labs like Prince and Ho, integrating fossils and molecular data in evolutionary studies. Labs & Teams: The Coates Lab promotes integrative research at the intersection of paleobiology, anatomy, and developmental biology, utilizing technologies like 3D printing and CT scanning to study vertebrate historical biodiversity.

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Per Erik Ahlberg is a Professor of Evolutionary Organismal Biology at Uppsala University since 2003. His research spans vertebrate paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and the origins of key morphological innovations in jawed vertebrates and tetrapods. Academic Affiliations: Uppsala University (2003-present), The Natural History Museum, London (1994-2003), University of Oxford (1989-1994) Leadership Roles: Head of Subdepartment, Director of SciLifeLab Uppsala's Zebrafish Facility Research Focus: His work investigates the evolutionary transitions from fish to tetrapods, jaw development, and the integration of fossil evidence with developmental genetics. He employs synchrotron imaging and comparative anatomy to analyze ancient vertebrate structures. Grant History: Recipient of major grants including five awards from the Swedish Research Council (2003-2019), two ERC grants (2008 and 2021), and multiple Wallenberg Scholarships (2010-2020), totaling over €6 million in direct funding. Scientific Contributions: His publications in Nature and Science have redefined understanding of early vertebrate evolution, with notable discoveries about tetrapod trackways (2010), neural crest development (2005), and placoderm jaw anatomy. Honors: Elected to Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (2012), Linnaeus Gold Medal (2012), Wallenberg Scholarship (2010, renewed 2016)

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Origin of Tetrapods
• +1 more

Roger Benson is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford specializing in paleontology and evolutionary biology. His research integrates fossil discovery, 3D morphometric analysis, and quantitative macroevolutionary studies to investigate vertebrate evolution across deep time, with particular expertise in dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early synapsids. His primary research domains include: Phylogenetic Paleobiology : Resolving evolutionary relationships in key vertebrate clades using cladistic methods and fossil data Macroevolutionary Dynamics : Analyzing large-scale patterns of morphological diversity and species richness over 100+ million years Earth-Life Interactions : Quantifying links between environmental change, rock record biases, and biodiversity patterns using multivariate statistics Extant-Fossil Integration : Applying anatomical datasets from living species to test ecological hypotheses about extinct organisms Recent publications reveal consistent methodological innovation through synchrotron imaging, computational morphometrics, and big-data approaches to evolutionary questions. His work demonstrates how quantitative analysis of anatomical variation can resolve long-standing debates in vertebrate phylogeny while revealing fundamental principles of adaptive radiation. Though no specific awards are documented in the source material, Benson's research impact is evidenced by publications in premier journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS, reflecting significant contributions to evolutionary science. Benson actively mentors graduate students and leads international collaborations, as demonstrated by multi-institutional projects on Permian-Triassic extinction dynamics and dinosaur sensory evolution. His research group bridges field paleontology with computational biology to address fundamental questions in vertebrate evolution. Based within Oxford's Earth Sciences framework, his work leverages advanced imaging facilities and computational resources for fossil analysis and evolutionary modeling, contributing to the university's leadership in paleobiological research.

• Palaeontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +4 more

Dr. Martin Brazeau is an Associate Professor of Vertebrate Evolution at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park), part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He leads the Brazeau Lab, which focuses on the deep evolutionary history of vertebrates through fossil records and computational methods. His research explores the origins of vertebrate anatomical features like skulls, jaws, and hard tissues, using Paleozoic-era fossils and phylogenetic tools. Education: PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Uppsala University (2004–2009), BSc (First-class Honours) in Zoology from McGill University (2001–2004). He is affiliated with the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet and the Silwood Park Campus. His work combines field expeditions, collections-based paleontology, and software development (e.g., Morphy for phylogenetic analysis). Research Interests: Evolutionary biology, vertebrate morphology, paleontology, and phylogenetics. His studies address how new traits emerge and their impacts on biodiversity. Key areas include placoderms, chondrichthyans, and early gnathostome evolution. Publications highlight advancements in understanding vertebrate jaw evolution, endoskeletal structures, and computational methods for analyzing fossil data. His lab's projects emphasize functional morphology and the integration of modern imaging techniques like X-ray computed tomography. Advising and Grants: No explicit details provided. Lab activities focus on collaborative projects and mentorship through PhD opportunities, such as the current opening on vertebrate reproductive modes. Labs/Teams: Brazeau Lab at Imperial College London, specializing in vertebrate evolution and morphological phylogenetics.

• Vertebrate Evolution
• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Per Ahlberg is a Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in vertebrate evolution and paleontology. His research focuses on early vertebrates, particularly Devonian tetrapods, placoderms, and the transition from fish to land vertebrates. He employs advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron tomography to study fossil anatomy and preservation. Key areas of study include the evolution of jaws, teeth, and skeletal structures in early vertebrates, as well as the ecological and environmental contexts of major evolutionary transitions. His work integrates anatomical, paleontological, and developmental approaches, collaborating on projects such as the analysis of the Gogo Lagerstätte fossils and the study of tetrapod trackways. Ahlberg's publications highlight contributions to understanding vertebrate origins, such as discoveries related to Romundina stellina and Ventastega curonica, which bridge gaps between fish and tetrapods. He has also addressed broader topics like fossil nomenclature stability and post-extinction ecosystem recovery.

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Vertebrate Evolution
• +3 more

Michael Landis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. He obtained his PhD in Biology from UC Berkeley, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Iowa State University and Yale University. His research focuses on computational and statistical approaches to understand evolutionary processes, particularly phylogenetics, biogeography, and trait evolution. He develops probabilistic models and open-source software (e.g., RevBayes) to analyze evolutionary patterns in biological datasets. His work spans topics like historical biogeography, phylogenetic biome shifts, and the evolution of ecological interactions. Landis also teaches courses in bioinformatics and computational biology. His lab actively collaborates on projects involving plant radiations (e.g., Hawaiian plants) and viral phylogeography. Funded by NSF and other grants, his research integrates methods from computer science, statistics, and evolutionary biology. Education: PhD in Biology, UC Berkeley; Postdocs at Iowa State and Yale. Research interests include phylogenetic modeling, Bayesian inference, and deep learning applications in evolutionary studies. His lab emphasizes open-source tools and community-driven science. Current students and postdocs work on topics like chromosome evolution, viral spread dynamics, and phenotypic diversification. Lab values prioritize collaboration, mentorship, and balancing personal-professional life.

• Computational Biology
• Statistical Inference
• Phylogenetics
• +9 more

Michael Landis is Assistant Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, developing statistical models and computational tools to reconstruct evolutionary patterns. Research integrates phylogenetics, biogeography, and trait evolution to study historical biodiversity dynamics across deep timescales. Key research areas: Developing Bayesian methods for phylogenetic biogeography Modeling biome shifts and diversification patterns Creating open-source software for evolutionary analysis (RevBayes, phyddle) Reconstructing ancestral networks for pierid butterflies Recent work includes novel approaches for state-dependent diversification modeling, deep learning applications in phylogenetics, and global-scale analyses of butterfly evolution. The lab emphasizes collaborative software development and evolutionary hypothesis testing.

• Phylogenetic Biogeography
• Evolutionary Modeling
• Comparative Methods
• +2 more

Carla Hass is a Teaching Professor of Biology at the Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University. She specializes in ecology, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography, with a focus on amphibians and reptiles. Her work explores evolutionary relationships, island biogeography, and genetic divergence patterns in species across Caribbean and North American regions. Education: B.S., Dickinson College, 1981 M.S., University of Maryland, College Park, 1985 Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, 1990 Postdoctoral Training: Penn State University Biology Department with Dr. Linda Maxson, 1990–1991 Penn State University Institute of Molecular and Evolutionary Genetics, 1991–1992 Research interests include molecular systematics of amphibians and reptiles, Caribbean biogeography, and the application of albumin immunology to evolutionary studies. Her publications span over three decades, focusing on topics such as snake phylogeny, salamander speciation, and West Indian vertebrate relationships. Her work frequently integrates molecular data with historical biogeography to understand species diversification patterns. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Department of Biology at Penn State, with research conducted in the Mueller Laboratory (418 Mueller Lab, University Park, PA).

• Ecology
• Molecular Phylogeny
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Professor John Long is Strategic Professor in Palaeontology at Flinders University, specializing in the early evolution of vertebrates. His research explores how anatomical structures like limbs, lungs, and sexual reproduction originated in Devonian fish fossils, particularly from the Gogo Formation in Western Australia and Antarctica. Education: Ph.D. (1984) and B.Sc. Hons (1981) from Monash University Research Interests: Focus on the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life, placoderm fish evolution, coelacanth brain development, and mass extinction events. Utilizes micro-CT, synchrotron, and neutron beam scanning for fossil analysis. Awards: 2020 Bettison and James Award ($50K) 2023 Whitely Medal 2016 Eureka Prize for Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations: Works with international scientists from Canada (Richard Cloutier), Sweden (Per Ahlberg), China (Zhu Min), UK (Hugo Dutel), and USA (Neil Shubin). Leads the Flinders Palaeontology Group, focusing on vertebrate evolution from fish to mammals. Media Engagement: Regular contributor to The Conversation , author of 30+ books, and recipient of the 2001 Eureka Prize for Public Promotion of Science. Serves on the Interagency Reference Group for the Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Site.

• Vertebrate Evolution
• Fish Evolution
• Early Tetrapods
• +7 more