Overview
The primary goal of research in the Patek laboratory is to examine the dynamic interplay between evolutionary processes and the mechanics of organisms.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Biology
·
2019 - Present
Biology,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Recent Publications
JEB launches a new article type for theory and modelling studies.
Journal Article The Journal of experimental biology · December 2024 Full text CiteThrough the looking glass: attempting to predict future opportunities and challenges in experimental biology.
Journal Article The Journal of experimental biology · December 2023 To celebrate its centenary year, Journal of Experimental Biology (JEB) commissioned a collection of articles examining the past, present and future of experimental biology. This Commentary closes the collection by considering the important research opportu ... Full text CiteElastic pinch biomechanisms can yield consistent launch speeds regardless of projectile mass.
Journal Article Journal of the Royal Society, Interface · August 2023 Energetic trade-offs are particularly pertinent to bio-ballistic systems which impart energy to projectiles exclusively during launch. We investigated such trade-offs in the spring-propelled seeds of Loropetalum chinense, Hamamelis virginiana ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Collaborative Research: Moving with muscles vs. springs: evolutionary biomechanics of extremely fast, small systems
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2020 - 2026Evolutionary Mechanics of Impulsive Biological Systems: Guiding Scalable Synthetic Design
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2015 - 2024Fast Movements, Impacts and Deformations: Nature, Robotics and Materials
ConferencePrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Army Research Office · 2022 - 2023View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Duke University ·
2001
Ph.D.