I hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy.
For my dissertation work, I successfully combined finite element scaling analysis with 3D-CT reconstruction techniques to develop a three dimensional model of growth of the fetal craniofacial complex in the pigtailed macaque.
(3D-CT reconstruction of a 155 day old pigtailed macaque. Birth is at 170 days.)
During my time at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, I built upon my knowledge of craniofacial growth and development through the combination of Euclidean Distance Matrix Analysis and 3D-CT reconstruction techniques: (1) Document the effects of craniofacial surgeries on the basicranium in infants and children; (2) Describe how the skull undergoes compensatory growth in patients with craniosynostosis; and (3) Comparing dysmorphic growth in patients with craniosynostosis to "normal" growth patterns.
(Gross Anatomy Lab, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine circa 1998)
My research activities at NYCC are very diverse, yet all are centered around gross anatomical studies and I have several projects in progress.
| Museum/Collection Studies |
| I have combined by dissertation work with fetal pigtailed macaques and my post-doctoral work to create the first three dimensional comparative growth study between the fetal human and fetal macaque craniofacial complex. This research recently was awarded the Young Faculty Research Award in 2001 by the American Association of Anatomists. The work has been recently submitted to the American Journal of Physical Anthropology. |
| The development of size dimorphism between male and female pigtailed macaques using Euclidean distance matrix analysis and 3D-CT reconstructions is also underway. |
| Cadaveric Studies |
| I am currently investigating the relationship of rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPMi) and the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAO). Some investigators have noted a soft-tissue connection that extends from RCPMi and the PAO. I am expanding the scope of previous investigations by noting the tissue-type within the connection, the frequency its appearance, and whether or not it is present in an unbiased sex ratio. |
| The pathway of the suprascapular n. from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus to its arrival at the suprascapular notch is poorly documented. Another study underway is documented its pathway. |
| Another study underway is documenting the incidence and type of piriformis entrapment of the sciatic nerve. |
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