While most of my research has focused on adult variation, the reality is that the reason adults look different is because we grow differently. Thus, I have several research projects examining the growth and development of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity.
- Along with Kevin Kuykendall, I am examining ontogenetic patterns in flat-faced species (humans) and more prognathic species (chimps), to see if spatial availability affects dental-sinus development.
- Along with Christina Nicholas, Andrej Evteev, and Scott Maddux, I am examining the relationships between growth of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses among subadults from diverse populations, to see whether ontogenetic patterns vary with differential environmental pressures (cold vs hot climates). I have several DO-students working on these projects as well.
- Understanding the “normal” patterns of growth and development can then help in understanding “abnormal” growth. With this in mind, I have several projects looking at arrested pneumatization (failure to grow) of the sinuses. This research has been published in the Austin Journal of Anatomy.
