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Prof Nathan Jeffery
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Project will explore how the competing functional and structural requirements of the brain, masticatory apparatus and sensory systems (vision, olfaction, balance and hearing) define the architecture of the mammalian skull and its phenotypic plasticity. The successful applicant will use our newly developed technique of contrast enhanced microCT as well as MRI to document size and shape variations across a large sample of extant mammals. He/she will also virtually reconstruct key skull morphotypes from these data and subject the models to biomechanical analysis. An appreciation of basic cranial anatomy and mammalian phylogeny as well as an enthusiasm for work with computers is essential.
References
Jeffery N.,Stephenson R., Gallagher J., Jarvis J. and Cox P. (2011). Micro-computed tomography with iodine staining resolves the arrangement of muscle fibres J. Biomech. 44: 189-192
Jeffery N., Cox P. (2010).Do agility and skull architecture influence the geometry of the mammalian vestibulo-ocular reflex? J. Anat. 216: 496-509
Cox P., Fagan M., Rayfield E., & Jeffery N. (2011). Finite element modelling of squirrel, guinea pig and rat skulls: using geometric morphometrics to assess sensitivity J. Anat. 219: 696-709
Jeffery N., Cox P. (2010).Do agility and skull architecture influence the geometry of the mammalian vestibulo-ocular reflex? J. Anat. 216: 496-509
Cox P., Fagan M., Rayfield E., & Jeffery N. (2011). Finite element modelling of squirrel, guinea pig and rat skulls: using geometric morphometrics to assess sensitivity J. Anat. 219: 696-709
Project supervisors
Career overview
Prof. Nathan Jeffery holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD and is a Professor in the field of Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science at the University of Liverpool. His research focuses on functional and evolutionary anatomy, employing novel imaging, computational methods, and experimental models to explore phenotypic plasticity and the integration of the mammalian skull. This research encompasses structural mechanics and the spatial requirements and functional demands of various soft-tissue modules, including sense organs, the brain, and masticatory musculature. The primary aim of Prof. Jeffery''s work is to enhance taxonomic, behavioural, biomechanical, and ecological interpretations of extinct species, with applications in both preclinical and clinical veterinary and human sciences.
Research interests
Prof. Jeffery''s research focuses on functional and evolutionary anatomy, employing novel imaging, computational methods, and experimental models to explore phenotypic plasticity and the integration of the mammalian skull. His work encompasses structural mechanics and the competing spatial requirements and functional demands of various soft-tissue modules, including sense organs, the brain, and masticatory musculature. The primary objective of his research is to refine taxonomic, behavioural, biomechanical, and ecological interpretations of extinct species, with applications in both preclinical and clinical veterinary and human sciences.
Functional Anatomy
Evolutionary Anatomy
Imaging
Computational Methods
Experimental Models
Phenotypic Plasticity
Skull Integration
Structural Mechanics
Soft-Tissue Modules
Taxonomic Interpretation
Behavioural Interpretation
Biomechanical Interpretation
Ecological Interpretation
Extinct Species
Preclinical Veterinary Sciences
Clinical Veterinary Sciences
Human Sciences
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