I'm interested in the evolution of amphibians and reptiles. In particular, anatomical variation and its relationship to traits such as body size, diet, and bite force performance.
I have a diverse research history. I have described a number of fossil amphibians and reptiles including one of the largest ever frogs (Beelzebufo, from the Cretaceous of Madagascar), as well as the oldest known reptile related to lizards, snakes, and tuatara (material from the Middle Triassic of Germany). I have also contributed to, and led, a number of projects investigating the biomechanics and bite force of lizards and tuatara. This work showed that the New Zealand tuatara has a flexible chin necessary for it's ability to shear and chew food and that the connections between the bones of the skull are an important part of how the skull responds to mechanical loading.