Hummingbird flight energetics and biomechanics

My lab is currently exploring questions associated with how a hummingbird’s unique anatomical design impacts the biomechanics of flight and the associated energetic cost.  Our approach involves laboratory studies where flight conditions are controlled in a wind tunnel and field studies of hovering flight currently being conducted in southeastern Arizona.  Key collaborators in this work are Dr. Bret Tobalske, University of Montana, Dr. Doug Warrick, Oregon State University, and Dr. Susan Wethington, Hummingbird Monitoring Network.

Reproductive energetics of the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis)

In collaboration with Dr. Bob Mason and his graduate student Chris Friesen my lab is exploring questions associated with the energetics of competition between males and female choice in T. sirtalis parietalis.  Of particular interest in future experiments will be the impact of body size (male and female) and mating-group size.  T. sirtalis parictalis is particularly interesting because of the high concentration of males that are competing for a few females when they emerge from hibernation.

The role of aquaporin water channels in amphibian water regulation

We are looking at questions associated withe the how water transport in amphibians is managed through the regulation of aquaporin water channels (AQPs).  We are specifically interested in Urodele amphibians and in particular the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa).  For the past two years we have western blots and immunofluorescence techniques to study the cellular distribution of AQP 1, 2, and 4 in ventral skin, kidney, and intestine all of which play a role in water regulation.  In the future we plan to begin experiments that will help us define the cellular signaling pathways used to control the number of AQPs in tissue membranes.