I conduct my research in the biomechanics of bird flight at the Concord Field Station. I am interested in how birds use their wings to execute different flight modes. I use several methods in my research: in vivo EMG and sonomicrometry to understand muscle function; high-speed digital video to capture 3-D kinematics; and DPIV, a flow visualization method, to estimate aerodynamic forces.

My earlier thesis work explored the differences among ascending, level, and descending flight. Currently, I am analyzing the muscle function and kinematics of takeoff and landing flight. I am also currently studying how aerodynamic forces differ among birds of different sizes during takeoff and landing.