Dr. Timothy Ryan

Tim Ryan | Functional and Evolutionary Morphology Research LabDr. Timothy Ryan

Professor

Department:  Anthropology
College:  College of Liberal Arts
Address:  409 Carpenter Bldg
Phone:  814-865-1531
E-mail:  tmr21@psu.edu
Website: https://femr.la.psu.edu/

Functional and Evolutionary Morphology Research (FEMR) Lab
The FEMR lab in the Department of Anthropology investigates the human and primate skeleton in order to better understand bone form and function, the impacts of various behaviors on bone structure, and the potential for understanding bone health in living humans. We use a variety of computational methods based on 3D computed tomography imaging and 3D surface scanning to address our research questions. The main project currently underway in the lab involves analyzing variation in bone structure in a variety of human populations with different behaviors to assess how physical activity impacts bone structure in our species. We also have opportunities on other projects for students interested in human and primate skeletal biology, 3D imaging, and scientific visualization.

Human and Primate Skeletal Variation
Bones of the vertebrate skeleton respond to mechanical loads through growth. In the FEMR lab in the Department of Anthropology, we study the relationship between skeletal form and function in living and extinct humans and non-human primates. Our current projects seek to understand how the size, shape, and structure of the skeleton relates to behavior and movement in primates and humans. We use a variety of computational methods including 3D imaging with x-ray computed tomography to address our research questions. As part of this lab, students will learn how to work with 3D data to visualize and measure variation in skeletal morphology. This project will be interesting to students studying anthropology, biology, paleontology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and other related fields. Additionally, students interested in computer science and programming may be interested in our work developing new software packages to process and measure 3D data.