Heather F. Smith, Ph.D.

Research Focus 1: Morphological evolution in the turtle fossil record

Research focus on the morphological evolution of turtles. Projects within this scope include evolution and adaptations of the cranium, carapace, plastron, and postcrania in the turtle fossil record from two major localities. Specifically, productive field work in the Uinta Basin, Utah has yielded 800+ fossil turtles dating to the Middle Eocene (42-46 million years ago). In addition, studies of turtle fossils from the early Late Cretaceous (93-99 million years ago) of the Arlington Archosaur Site in Texas have resulted in the discovery of several new species. Extant tortoise specimens are also being described in order to document their soft tissue anatomy and provide context for the paleontological work.



Research Focus 2: Human and nonhuman primate cranial morphology and evolution

Multifaceted research program focusing on primate cranial evolution, which has resulted in fourteen peer-reviewed publications, numerous published conference abstracts, several national and international collaborations, and one extramural grant. The projects within this research focus include studies on microevolutionary modeling in human cranial shape, ontogenetic patterning of human temporal bone growth, phylogenetic utility of hominoid cranial morphology, and an individual-level investigation of molecules vs . morphology in a Native American population.



Research Focus 3: Evolution of the cecal appendix

Prolific research agenda on the evolution, morphological variation, and phylogenetic distribution of the cecal appendix in mammals and colic ceca in birds. The focus of this research has been to track the evolutionary history of the cecal appendix throughout mammalian and avian evolution, and identify its anatomical and ecological correlates that may explain why it exists and has evolved independently several times throughout evolution.



Research Focus 4: Human anatomical variation

Productive research avenue on anatomical variation in humans, primarily focusing on the brachial plexus and its branches. The focus of this research has been to document previously unreported anatomical anomalies and aberrant structures and place them within a clinical context. In addition to cadaveric studies, this research has incorporated ultrasonographic evaluation of live subjects to correlate brachial plexus variation with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.
Evolutionary Biology
Paleontology
Anatomical variation