Biology Department: Brook Swanson
Education:
- B.S. Marine Biology and Ecology, 1999, Florida Institute of Technology
- Ph.D. Biology, 2004, Northern Arizona University
Courses:
- Bio 470: Animal physiology
- Bio 224: Human anatomy
- Bio 145: Marine biology
- Bio 410: Invertebrate zoology
- Bio 202: General biology I
Contact Information
Office: Strain 210/211
Phone: 352-2727
e-mail: bswanson@pacificu.edu
Research:
I am a comparative physiologist and am interested in all aspects of animal physiology. My specific interests include the evolution of physiological systems and evolutionary biomechanics. Along these lines, my own research has included work in several areas.
- Evolution of biomaterials, examining diversity, evolutionary patterns and constraints in spider silk. Spider silk is an impressive natural fiber that has been shaped during millions of years of evolution. I study silks across different species in an attempt to connect gene evolution, mechanical properties, and ecological functions of silk.
- Biomechanics of fish swimming, examining the development of the axial musculoskeletal system and how morphological and physiological changes affect performance. This research uses comparative anatomy and high-speed imaging to examine the connections between complex morphological systems and performance.
- Feeding in polymorphic fish species, looking at the behavioral and ecological consequences of morphological and performance variation within species. This research uses ecological experiments and high-speed video to examine variability in performance and how that affects diversity.
If you are interested in research please come talk to me. I am interested in advising students that would like to participate in one of my specific research areas, or any other area of animal physiology.