NYITCOM Research Projects

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.

The Effect of Mild Cold Exposure on Cognition in Persons with Tetraplegia

Primary investigator: John Handrakis, D.P.T., Ed.D.

Evaluation of Physician Assistant Student Knowledge & Perception of Competence in Palliative Symptom

Primary investigator: Kristine Prazak, M.S.

The Influence of Cueing, Feedback, and Directed Attention in a Virtual Environment

Healthy Older Adults and Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Primary investigator: Rosemary Gallagher, Ph.D.

The Effect of the Graduate Record Examination on Minority Applications Experience at NYIT

Primary investigator: Corri Wolf, Ph.D.

The Use of Virtual Patient Software to Enhance Physician Assistant Student Knowledge and Competence

in Palliative Medicine and End-of-Life Care

Primary investigator: Kristine Prazak, M.S.

Does Whole Body Periodic Acceleration Improve Sleep Disturbances in Persons with Parkinson's Disease

Primary investigator: Veronica Southard, PT, D.H.Sc., and Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D.