Tiered Mentoring

Form and function in the primate head and neck

Dr. Neysa Grider-Potter, Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at NEOMED

Note: Students chosen for this project will be responsible for providing their own transportation to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).

Project Background:

Anatomically, the neck is the junction between head and trunk and has many competing functions: neck muscles balance the head, cervical vertebrae anchor the upper limb, and it houses vital organs such as the larynx and esophagus. My lab aims to better understand how these functions influence the shape of the bones and muscles of the neck in order to better understand behaviors in fossil species.

Goals and methods:

To quantify numerous aspects of vertebral shape and statistically relate them to specific measures of head and neck function. You will collect and measure skeletal specimens of primate and non-primate mammals using calipers, surface scans, and CT scans. Analyze a variety of functional metrics, largely from video data.

Benefits, qualifications, and expectations:

I am looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated student with an interest in primate anatomy and evolution. Prior experience with the methods are not required, but previous coursework in anatomy and/or mammalian evolution is preferred. Students would be expected to work semi-independently, primarily on campus at Northeast Ohio Medical University with the potential of data collection at local museums.

Benefits include:

• Learn about the basics of head and neck musculoskeletal anatomy, statistical analysis, and the research process.
• Receive training in various software programs such as MeshLab, R, and Matlab
• Gain experience in written and oral scientific communication

Click here for more information about the lab.