Regina Campbell-Malone
Post-doctoral researcher
Ph.D., Biological Oceanography, 2007
MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program, Cambridge/Woods Hole, MA
B.S., Biological Sciences, 2000
SUNY Buffalo, NY
Brown University, Box G-B204
Providence, RI 02912
tel: (401) 863-3549
email: Regina_Campbell-Malone@brown.edu
web page
I study the biomechanical behavior of bone in an effort to understand the relationship between the form (gross and microscale) and function of bone in various taxa from an evolutionary perspective. I am presently investigating the structure of trabecular and cortical bone in extant marine mammals. My preliminary studies indicate that mandibular bone from the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) exhibits a cross-sectional density gradient between the trabecular interior and the cortical shell. This is in stark contrast to the abrupt transition between trabecular and cortical bone when viewed in cross-section in terrestrial mammals. I plan to explore the anatomical distribution (beyond the mandible), evolutionary history and the functional/mechanical significance of this novel structure. I will also explore how widespread this structure is taxonomically in order to determine whether it may have adaptive significance for secondarily aquatic mammals. In addition to bone biomechanics, my research interests include cetacean life history, conservation and management, cetacean feeding mechanics and secondary adaptations to aquatic and marine life.
