Visualizing the #BirdAgenda: Integrating Novel Imaging Modalities into Avian Functional Morphology

Co-sponsored by  

Chair(s)

• 

  Emma Schachner, Ph.D

  Assistant Professor
  Department of Physiological Sciences
  University of Florida
  Gainesville, Florida, United States

This session will focus on how three different imaging methods can be used to address questions on the evolution of form and function of the avian cranial nerves, respiratory system, and development of the pelvis. This topic will be broadly relevant to anatomists and biologists, and educators from both fields. Specifically, the novel data on 3D models of the avian trigeminal system, models and biomechanical data on how soaring birds use their lungs to fly, and data on innervation patterns in the avian pelvis demonstrating homology with their archosaurian relatives. Included in these talks will be details on methodology that attendees can apply to their own research (professional development) and how these methods relate to avian biology. This is important now because 1) avifauna are declining worldwide (over 30% since 1970) and 2) while CT imaging and staining of tissues are common in biology, all three speakers apply these methods in novel ways. Each speaker was selected due to their experience and creativity in the visualization modalities used and scientific discoveries to be presented. Each talk will be on a different anatomical region or organ system (head, lungs, pelvis) and applies imaging methodologies differently (contrast-enhanced imaging, anatomical and biomechanical modeling of negative spaces with muscle interactions, and the CLARITY staining protocol). This session is sponsored by The Anatomical Record, and will launch a #BirdAgenda Special Issue aimed at publication for 2026.

Presentations:

• 10:30am – 11:00am US EDT

  Visualizing the Impact of Pulmonary Diverticula on Flight in Hawks and Other Soaring Birds
  

  Speaker: Emma R. Schachner, Ph.D – University of Florida
• 11:00am – 11:30am US EDT

  Diversity and Evolution of the Avian Trigeminal Sensory System as Revealed by Contrast-Enhanced CT-Imaging
  

  Speaker: Emily J. Lessner, Ph.D – Bureau of Land Management
• 11:30am – 12:00pm US EDT

  Using Novel Embryonic Imaging Methods to Characterize the Developmental Mechanisms Underlying the Evolution of the Avian Pelvis
  

  Speaker: Christopher T. Griffin, Ph.D – Yale University