Adaptation and Evolution of the Mammalian Skull

Studies adaptations in hearing, vocalization, and respiration using both living and fossil species. To better understand the limits of mammalian adaptations, we are currently using cetacean models (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), which have colonized and thrived in extreme aquatic environments. This primary work is bolstered by our ongoing efforts to resolve the mammalian family tree with anatomical and genetic data. See additional information.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor and Chair, Jonathan Geisler, Ph.D.

 

Evolution of Early Mammals

Studies how key mammalian features such as a keen sense of smell, enlarged brain size, and high frequency hearing developed. Current projects focus on the description of new fossil mammals from Madagascar, the evolution of the inner ear of early mammals, and morphology and genetics of the vomeronasal organ in extant vertebrates.

Principal investigator: Associate Professor, Simone Hoffmann, Ph.D.

 

Comparative Ecomorphology and Evolutionary Paleoecology

Studies convergent evolution and how environmental change influences the evolution of recurring anatomical systems. Current projects include investigations into the evolution and functional morphology of limbs and joints. Also looks at dental wear to understand the role of dietary change in the evolution of mammalian dentitions.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor and Director, Matthew Mihlbachler, Ph.D.

 

Evolution of Ruminants

Studies the evolution of the diet and anatomy of ruminants. Projects include the evolution of the giraffe neck, the evolution of the skull, and methods of dietary interpretations.

Principal Investigator: Professor, Nikos Solounias, Ph.D.

 

The Evolution of Human and Primate Locomotion

Studies how biomechanical differences between human and primate locomotion are related to differences in muscle and bone morphology. The goal is to be able to identify those bony features which can be used to infer locomotion in fossil primates, including our early human ancestors.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Nathan E. Thompson, Ph.D.

 

Smartphone Security and Mobile Network Research

To analyze methods of securing smartphones and their networks, researchers simulate malware spread in these devices, evaluate authentication schemes, study topology control of wireless networks, identify the geographic location of smartphones, and develop privacy controls as it relates to medical data.

Primary investigator: Ziqian (Cecilia) Dong, Ph.D.

 

Design and Development of a Suite of Keyboard-based Biometrics for an Active Authentication System

This project collects effective keyboard-based biometric algorithms that analyze free text input to capture the unique mechanics of how a user types (atomic keystroke dynamics), the unique aspects of how the user composes text and uses language (cogni-linguistic features), and the demographic classifications to which the user belongs.

Primary investigator: Professor, Kiran S. Balagani, Ph.D.

 

Hand Movement, Orientation, and Grasp (H-MOG)

A New Behavioral Modality for Active Authentication of Smartphone Users: Researches a new non-cooperative behavioral modality using "touch-burst" and "cognitive-pause" modes to continuously authenticate users of smartphones.

Primary investigators: Professor, Kiran S. Balagani, Ph.D. and Assistant Professor, Paolo Gasti, Ph.D.

 

Performance-Based Research-Wireless Sensing of Gastric Electrical Activity

Develops and evaluates a multi-channel hybrid wireless implantable system that can serve as a gastro-stimulator and recorder.

Primary investigator: Professor and Dept. Chair, Aydin Farajidavar, Ph.D.

 

Infrared Spectral Modeling for Gas Temperature

In collaboration with Advanced Fuel Research, New York Tech researchers are developing spectral modeling software, create an optimal algorithm, and estimate performance.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor, James Scire, Ph.D.