POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

Dr William Deakin (John Templeton Foundation funded PDRA: 2023– current). Will graduated from Bristol with a PhD in Palaeobiology and an MSci in Palaeontology and Evolution. Will’s research involves computational biomechanical analysis and theoretical simulation to explore the mechanical controls on the form of the vertebrate skull and postcranial skeleton.

 

Dr Tahlia Pollock (John Templeton Foundation funded PDRA: 2023– current).

 

 

 

Dr Pablo Milla Carmona (John Templeton Foundation funded PDRA: 2023– current)

Dr Benjamin Griffin (John Templeton Foundation funded PDRA: 2023– current)

Dr Andre Rowe (NERC funded PDRA: 2023– current)

Dr Melisa Morales Garcia (NERC funded PDRA: 2023– current)

Dr Antonio Ballell (BBSRC funded PDRA: 2021– current

Andre Rowe [Bristol 2019–] Macroevoluton and function in giant theropod dinosaurs. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisor Professor Mike Benton (Bristol). Andre completed his BSc in Geosciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, then moved to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he completed his MSc thesis on Biomechanics of juvenile tyrannosaurid mandibles and their implications for tyrannosaurid bite function. In Bristol he is investigating the functional consequences and constraints of large size on feeding behaviour in theropod dinosaurs. Different lineages of theropod dinosaurs independently achieve large size. Andre’s research involves quantifying whether these lineages achieve large size in similar ways, anatomically and functionally, and whether large size confer a functional advantage or constraint in feeding behaviour and skull mechanics.

Nuria Melisa Morales Garcia [Bristol 2016–] Functional evolution and diversity of Mesozoic mammals. Lead-supervisor with Dr Pamela Gill and Professor Christine Janis [CONACYT]. Melisa joined the lab in September 2016 after graduation from the Bristol MSc Palaeobiology. Originally from Hildalgo State, north of Mexico City, Melisa studied the ecomorphology of North American Miocene ungulates for her MSc research project, for which she won the poster prize at the annual Symposium of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy meeting, September 2016, in Liverpool. Melisa remains in Bristol on a CONACYT funded PhD project studying the functional and ecological diversity of Mesozoic mammals. Melisa won the poster prize at the Palaeontological Association annual meeting 2018.

 

 

 

PhD STUDENTS

 

Chris McCabe [Bristol 2018–] The evolution and function of mammalian venom. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisors Dr Sam Turvey (Institute of Zoology, ZSL) and Dr Nick Casewell (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine). Chris graduated from the University of Bristol with a BSc in Biology followed by an MRes in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation at UCL. His master’s project was based at the Natural History Museum, London, where he investigated the comparative phylogeography of herpetofauna in a Honduran national park. Following a foray into gene editing at the Medical Research Council Chris is returning to Bristol to pursue his interest in evolutionary biology. The aim of his PhD is to investigate the evolution of venom in solenodons. Solenodons are the only extant mammals that possess a modified dental venom delivery system. This project aims to investigate why solenodons have a venom system, what its function is and how it evolved.

Ben Griffin [Bristol 2018–] Testing the quadrupedal launch mechanism in pterosaurs. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisors Dr Colin Palmer and Dr Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone. After completing his BSc and MSc at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand, Ben joined the lab in September 2018. His PhD research is investigating the launch mechanisms of pterosaurs, in particular testing the quandrupedal launch hypothesis. His project involves musculoskeletal analysis and reconstruction and biomechanical and kinematic modelling.

 

 

 

Antonio Ballell Mayoral [Bristol 2018–] Anatomy, phylogeny and function of the sauropodomorph dinosaur Thecodontosaurus antiquus. Co-supervisor with Professor Michael Benton (lead) and Dr Mark Puttick (Bath). Antonio obtained his MSc in Palaeobiology from the University of Bristol in 2017, after completing a BSc (Hons) in Biology at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain). His PhD focuses on updating the osteology of Thecodontosaurus and reconstructing its limb musculature. The biomechanical behaviour of its limb bones will be analysed using various biomechanical techniques (including trabecular and finite element analyses) to infer locomotion and stance. The functional characteristics of Thecodontosaurus will be placed in a broader context to understand the early functional evolution and radiation of sauropodomorph dinosaurs.

 

 

Marta Zaher [Bristol 2017–] Macroevolution and function in parareptiles. Co-supervisor with led supervisor Professor Mike Benton (Bristol). Marta’s research focuses mostly on pareiasaurs and procolophonids, of which latter were the only group of parareptiles to survive the Perm-Triassic extinction event. Both groups were major components of their ecosystems but different dietary preferences have been suggested for these animals, including herbivory, omnivory and insectivory. Digital modelling and engineering approaches (finite-element analysis) are used to explore a full range of cranial morphology in these animals to determine the most probable ecomorphological functional dietary categories of various pareiasaurs and procolophonids, which will shed light on their role in the respective past ecosystems. This will help us make a better understanding of Permian and Triassic tetrapod communities, which are important examples of a pre- and post-extinction event faunas.

Logan King [Bristol 2017–] Evolution of the brain in non-avian dinosaurs. Co-supervisor with lead supervisor Professor Mike Benton. Logan is originally from Alabama where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of Alabama in 2013. I earned my Master’s degree in 2017 from Fort Hays State University in Kansas with a thesis titled Morphometric Changes in Semicircular Canal Shape within Theropoda (Dinosauria: Saurischia) and their Dietary Implications. Logan’s PhD research explores ontogenetic and macroevolutionary changes in the endocranial cavity of non-avian dinosaurs.

 

 

Timothy Culwick [Bristol 2017–] Co-supervisor with Dr Kate Hendry and Dr Jeremy Phillips (Bristol). Tim’s research focuses on the identification and investigation of the controls on nutrient cycling by Porifera in the deep ocean. This work has two main branches: perform taxonomic analysis of sponges collected from the North Atlantic, in collaboration with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre; use X-ray tomography and Finite Element Analysis to investigate sponge biomechanics and use this to look at fluid flow around sponges, and explore the biological and environmental factors that could limit sponge growth and ultimately study the influence of biogeochemical cycling in sponge grounds.

 

 

Honorary lab associates:

Dr Pamela Gill (Honorary Senior Research Associate). Pam is an honorary researcher in Bristol and we have collaborated on NERC-funded projects to explore the functional evolution of the skull across the cynodont-mammaliaform transition. Pam is known for her expertise in Triassic and Jurassic mammals and the south Wales fissure fill material.

 

Dr Hugo Dutel (Honorary Senior Research Associate).

 

 

 

Zichuan Qin Honorary Research Associate.

Zichuan completed his PhD at the University of Bristol in 2023. Zichuan begins a postdoctoral reseach position at the University of Birmingham in late 2023. He continues to work with the group on research projects studying the evolution of form and function in Paraves and living birds.

 

 

Han Hu

LAB ALUMNI

 

Postdoc alumni

• Dr Hugo Dutel (NERC, BBSRC funded RA: 2019-2022). Honorary Senior Research Fellow, School of Earth Sciences
• Dr Delphine Angst (Marie Curie IF: 2018-2020). Project Director, Graphic Design, Paris.
• Dr Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone (Arthritis Research RA: 2017-2018; NERC funded RA: 2019). Palaeobiology Lab Manager, Technical Specialist, University of Bristol.
• Dr Karen Roddy (MRC funded RA: 2014-2017). Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Abbott Healthcare, Galway, Ireland.
• Dr Stephan Lautenschlager (NERC funded RA: 2013-2016). Associate Professor in Palaeobiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham.
• Dr Laura Porro (Marie Curie IF: 2013-2015; NERC funded RA: 2017-2018). Associate Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London.
• Dr Jen Bright (NERC funded RA: 2011-2014). Lecturer in Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Hull.
• Dr Martin Rücklin (NERC funded RA: 2010-2012). Group Leader, Vertebrate evolution, development and ecology, Naturalis
  Biodiversity Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
• Dr Philip Cox (NERC funded RA: 2009-2012). Associate Professor in Anatomy, Cell & Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London.
• Dr Philip Anderson (Royal Society IF 2007-2009; Marie Curie IF 2009-2011). Associate Professor, Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, USA.
• Dr Pamela Gill (NERC funded RA: 2006-2009; Honorary RA 2010-present)

PhD alumni

• Sophie Chambi-Trowell [Bristol 2019–2023] The origin of modern ecosystems: dietary partitioning among the first mammals and reptiles in the Triassic-Jurassic Bristol archipelago. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisors Professor Mike Benton, Dr Pam Gill and Dr David Whiteside (Bristol).
• Andre Rowe [Bristol 2019–2023] Macroevoluton and function in giant theropod dinosaurs. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisor Professor Mike Benton (Bristol).
• Zichuan Qin [Bristol 2019–]2023 The palaeobiology of alvarezsauroid theropod dinosaurs. Co-supervisor with lead supervisor Professor Mike Benton (Bristol)
• Will Deakin [Bristol 2019–2022] The role of mechanical loads on the evolution of skeletal form. Lead supervisor with co-supervisors Professor Phil Donoghue and Dr Colin Palmer (Bristol) and Professor Roger Benson (Oxford).
• Ben Griffin [Bristol 2018–2022] Testing the quadrupedal launch mechanism in pterosaurs. Lead-supervisor with co-supervisors Dr Colin Palmer and Dr Elizabeth Martin-Silverstone.
• Antonio Ballell Mayoral [Bristol 2018–2022] Anatomy, phylogeny and function of the sauropodomorph dinosaur Thecodontosaurus antiquus. Co-supervisor with Professor Michael Benton (lead) and Dr Mark Puttick (Bath).
• Logan King [Bristol 2017–] Evolution of the brain in non-avian dinosaurs. Co-supervisor with lead supervisor Professor Mike Benton (Bristol).
• Timothy Culwick [Bristol 2017–] Co-supervisor with Dr Kate Hendry and Dr Jeremy Phillips (Bristol).
• Nuria Melisa Morales Garcia [Bristol 2016–] Functional evolution and diversity of Mesozoic mammals. Lead-supervisor with Dr Pamela Gill and Professor Christine Janis [CONACYT funded].
• Maryory Sarria-Dulcey [Bristol 2016–] The effect of climate change on Southern Ocean benthic calcifers. Co-supervisor with lead supervisor Professor Daniela Schmidt, co-supervisors Katrin Linse and Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand (British Antarctic Survey).
• Guillermo Navalón [Bristol 2015–2019] The evolution of the avian skull. Lead supervisor. [University of Bristol Alumni Fund]. Current position, postdoctoral research associate, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford. Faculty of Science Commendation for excellent PhD thesis. 
• Andrew Jones [Birmingham 2014–18] The evolution and function of phytosaurs Co-supervisor with Professor Richard Butler. [CENTA NERC DTP funded]. Current position: Digital technologies officer, Lapworth Museum, Birmingham.
• Leanne Melbourne [Bristol 2013–17] The future of shelf ecosystems [NERC CASE studentship with Profs Daniela Schmidt (Bristol) and Juliet Brodie (NHM London)]. Winner, The 2019 Irene Manton Prize for the best doctoral thesis in botany (algae, fungi or plants).
• Elizabeth Martin [Southampton 2013–2017] Mass estimation in pterosaurs: phylogenetic implications for the evolution of body size. Co-supervisor with Drs Colin Palmer (Bristol) and Philipp Schneider (Southampton) [University Southampton Scholarship].
• Nicola Stone [Bristol 2013–17] The role of heterochrony in the evolution and function of palaeognathus birds [Self funded, part-time].
• Ma Qingyu [Bristol 2012–2017] Constraints and efficiency in early avian evolution [University of Bristol Scholarship].
• JJ Hill [Bristol 2012–17] Evolution and function of the vertebrate lower jaw [Self-funded]. Co-supervised with Professor Phil Donoghue.
• Colin Palmer [Bristol; 2007–16]: The flight of pterosaurs [Self-funded, part-time]. Current position: Company Director Ginko Investments Ltd and Windcluster Ltd, Research Associate  University of Bristol.
• David Button [Bristol – Natural History Museum, London; 2011–15] Cranial biomechanics of sauropodomorph dinosaurs [NERC algorithm funded studentship with CASE partner support     from NHM] Co-supervised with Dr Paul Barrett (NHM). Current position: PDRA, Natural History Museum London. AWARDS: President’s Prize (2014) and Student Poster Prize (2013)   Palaeontological Association annual meeting; British Science Festival Invited speaker (2015). Faculty of Science commendation for excellent PhD thesis.
• Andrew Cuff [Bristol; 2010–14]: Functional morphology and biomechanics of ornithomimid and other theropod dinosaurs [Self-funded]. Current position: Associate Lecturer in Anatomy, Hull-York Medical School.
• Stephan Lautenschlager [Bristol – Munich; 2010–13] Skull form and function in therizinosaur dinosaurs, and the convergent evolution of herbivory in theropods [Volkswagen Foundation  funded]. AWARDS: Sustainable Software Institute Fellowship (£3000); Best Poster, Tomography Symposium London; Young Palaeontologist Award, and best student poster, German  Palaeontological Association. Current position: Lecturer at University of Birmingham.
• Roger Close [Monash, Australia / Bristol; 2008–12]: The functional evolution of the flight complex in Mesozoic birds [Monash University Studentship], Co-supervised with Pat Vickers-Rich  (Monash). Current position: Postdoctoral researcher, University of Birmingham.
• Aude Caromel [Bristol; 2008–12]: The link between form and function in planktonic foraminifers [NERC studentship], jointly supervised with Daniela Schmidt and Jeremy Phillips (Bristol).
• Jen Bright [Bristol; 2007–2011, Viva date 26/07/11]: Validation of finite element models and the implications for palaeontology [NERC studentship]. AWARDS: University of Bristol Science  Faculty Prize for best PhD thesis 2011/12. Current position: Tenure-track Assistant Professor, University of South Florida.
• Laura Porro [Cambridge; 2004–08] Investigation of proposed feeding behaviour in the basal ornithischian Heterodontosaurus tucki using finite element analysis [Cambridge-Gates Foundation Scholarship] with Dr DB Norman. AWARDS: Poster Prize, The Palaeontological Association. Current position: Lecturer, University College London.
• Mark Young [Bristol & Natural History Museum; 2006–2009. Viva date 5/5/09]: The biomechanics and evolution of sauropod dinosaur skulls [NERC CASE studentship with Paul Barrett (NHM), Paul Upchurch (UCL) and Larry Witmer (Ohio)]. AWARDS: Best paper, Naturwissenschaften, 2012. Current position: Postdoctoral researcher University of Edinburgh.
• Sandra Jasinoski [Bristol; 2004–08. Viva date 20/11/08]: Cranial mechanics of Dicynodontia using Finite Element Analysis [ORS, NSERC, UoB funded] co-supervised with Mike Benton.
• Stephanie Pierce [Bristol; 2003–2007. Viva date 19/12/07]: Morphospace occupation and mechanical performance in extant and extinct crocodile skulls: A combined geometric  morphometric and finite element modelling approach [ORS, NSERC, UoB funded] co-supervised with Mike Benton] Current position: Associate Professor of Organismic and  Evolutionary Biology and Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology, Harvard University.