Anatomy and Vertebrate Paleontology Faculty & Staff

If you have any questions about the Anatomy and Vertebrate Paleontology program at OSU Center for Health Sciences, please contact one of faculty members.

Holly Woodward Ballard, Ph.D.,Professor of Anatomy
918-561-8263 | holly.ballard@okstate.edu

Research Interests:

• Intra-specific ontogenetic variation in growth of extinct tetrapods using large-sample paleohistology, with a focus on non-avian dinosaurs.
• Integration of osteohistology with other techniques such as micro CT and stable isotopes to interpret the paleobiology and life history of extinct tetrapods.
• Intra-skeletal histology throughout ontogeny in both extinct and extant tetrapods.
• Increasing understanding of bone tissue microstructure in extant tetrapods for use as a foundation in paleohistological interpretations.

Kent Smith, Ph.D., Associate Dean for the Office of American Indians in Medicine and Science, Professor of Anatomy
918-561-8246 | kent.smith@okstate.edu| Personal Website

Research Interests:

• Taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeography of late Neogene-age mammals
• Novel anatomical variations in humans to advance surgical outcomes
• Advancing American Indians in medicine and STEM careers

Anne Weil, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy
918-561-8266 | anne.weil@okstate.edu

Research Interests:

• Early mammalian evolution, phylogeny and biogeography of multituberculate mammals
• Terrestrial recovery after the end-Cretaceous mass extinction
• Evolutionary constraints on biotic response to extinction at large spatiotemporal scales

Zachary S. Klukkert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anatomy

918-561-5704 | zachary.klukkert@okstate.edu

Research Interests:

• Primate evolution, diet, and feeding behavior
• Functional anatomy of the jaws and teeth of mammals
• Recent (Holocene) extinctions and the effects on modern ecosystems, especially in the Caribbean and Madagascar

Daniel E. Barta, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Anatomy

918-525-6323 | daniel.barta@okstate.edu

Research Interests:

• Understanding vertebrate growth, development, and intraspecific variation through the application of bone histology, computed tomography, and phylogenetic methods.
• The anatomy of dinosaurs (including birds), and other vertebrates from the Triassic and Permian periods.
• Amniote eggs and nesting.

Eric Snively, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anatomy

918-525-6323 | eric.snively@okstate.edu

Research Interests:

• Musculoskeletal function and behavior in dinosaurs and mammals.
• Simulation of structural mechanics, dynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Synchrotron 3D histology of bone growth, vasculature, and loadings
• Student-driven projects in human functional anatomy from MRI.