Biology
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Kristina Stafford Mead
See full resume [pdf] |
I am interested in ways in which small-scale fluid motion affects
aspects of organismal physiology. One project examines how crustaceans
follow odor trails. Crustaceans use their sense of smell to find food
and mates. I look at several aspects of this feat, from how the
chemical sensors are shaped to behavioral decisions the animal makes as
it follows the odor trail. I use physical and mathematical models to
analyze how odor molecules are trapped by the sensors. I am interested
in how different kinds of fluid flow (fast, slow, turbulent, laminar,
wavy, unidirectional, etc.) affect the structure of the odor plume, and
thus the shape and movement of the odor sensors that are most efficient
at collecting odor particles in that habitat.
I have recently
become interested in more ecological aspects of this question: how does
the best olfactory sensor design vary with sex and/or body size, how
does the flow environment affect the efficiency of different sensor
designs, and what happens when the sensor is damaged? This latter
question has led me and my students into an in-depth look at the
regeneration process and ways to study it.
Another project
(stemming from graduate school days, not as active currently) studies
the effects of flow on fertilization. Many marine invertebrates shed
their eggs and sperm into the water, where they are exposed to
energetic water motion caused by breaking waves. The movement of the
water can affect several aspects of gamete structure and function,
resulting in lower rates of successful fertilization and development.
I currently teach courses in introductory biology, animal physiology, and neurophysiology. More information about my research and teaching can be obtained on my personal page.