Ph.D. Research

University of Oregon

My dissertation research aims to answer how behavior affects gross and micro-anatomical structures in vertebrate animals over evolutionary time. My study animals are the pronghorn antelope, Merycodontids, giraffes, and okapis.

Additionally, I am currently researching albatross speciation and origination events during the Miocene of Oregon.

Any questions on my research or collaboration opportunities can be sent me (abrantle@uoregon.edu).

Master’s Research

California State University, Los Angeles

My M.S. thesis is titled Losing Flight: The anatomy and performance of secondarily flightless Indian Runner ducks and can be found here on ProQuest. We are currently working on an en prep publication on my Master’s work, as well as continuing research on the subject.

During my time at Cal State LA, I worked with Dr. Ashley Heers in the Vertebrate Ontogeny Lab. My research concerned the anatomy and behavioral performance of flightless ducks, through locomotor and anatomical studies.

Dr. Ashley Heers is now an Associate Professor at Scripps College. She has a blog titled Building A Bird, where you can read more on her research, students, and potential collaborations.

Any questions on our research on our ducks can be asked through email to me (abrantle@uoregon.edu) or Dr. Ashley Heers (aheers@natsci.claremont.edu).

At Stan, I worked with Dr. Sari Miller-Antonio to identify and prepare modern animal bones for student research and the teaching collections in the Osteology Lab.

Here, I honed my skills in preparing bone for research. I spent most of my time in the lab repairing damaged bone and macerating skulls.

Dr. Sari Miller-Antonio is now a Professor Emerita and can be contacted at smillerantonio@csustan.edu.