معرفی
Maria Miara serves as Associate Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at Brandeis University, where she teaches evolution, physiology, exercise physiology, and evolutionary developmental biology. She founded the Brandeis Human Performance Lab (BHPL), a collaborative initiative bridging biology and athletics to advance student learning and research.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. from McGill University
- B.Sc. from McGill University
Dr. Miara's research centers on comparative morphology, investigating the relationship between biological form and function across species. She specializes in human performance biomechanics, integrating evolutionary principles with physiological analysis to understand athletic movement and adaptation. Her work connects theoretical biology with practical applications in health sciences and athletic training.
Her publication record reveals consistent focus on biomechanics and muscle physiology from 2008-2013, featuring experimental studies on locomotion mechanics in diverse species. Key themes include muscle force modeling (goats), motor unit recruitment dynamics, and bone microstructure adaptations related to flight/running (guinea fowl), with implications for evolutionary biology and human performance optimization.
Scientific recognition includes:
- Certificate of Distinction in Teaching, Harvard University (2014)
Through the BHPL, Dr. Miara mentors undergraduate researchers in human physiology projects while supporting athletic teams with physiological assessment tools. The lab addresses critical gaps in undergraduate research opportunities and prepares students for health professions through hands-on biomechanics training.
The Brandeis Human Performance Lab operates as an interdisciplinary hub where biology students conduct original research on athletic performance, analyze physiological data, and develop skills applicable to physical therapy, physician assistant programs, and public health careers.
