Research Interests
My research combines traditional descriptive and anatomical study with computer-aided morphometric analysis and modeling of vertebrate skeletons. The focus of my research is limb functional morphology in dinosaurs, as well as the broader locomotor and evolutionary implications of size. I am particularly interested in the evolution and locomotor adaptations of the giant, terrestrial sauropod dinosaurs. These long-necked herbivores attained sizes no other dinosaurian or mammalian group has ever approached on land; part of sauropod success as giants may be tied to limb morphology and specializations.
Aardonyx celestae - "Earth Claw"
Aardonyx in the dinosaur family tree, showing its close relationship to the gigantic sauropod dinosaurs. Diagram by Dr. Matthew Bonnan, Dept. Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University.
A new dinosaur to science discovered by Dr. Bonnan and colleagues in South Africa. To learn more CLICK HERE.