The Mathematical Physiology Group at UNC

PI: Laura Miller

Welcome!

The focus of our research group is to investigate regime changes in the fluid dynamic environment of organisms as they grow or shrink in size over evolutionary or developmental time. In particular, we are interested in the efficiency of various mechanisms of fluid transport and locomotion. Our approach to these problems is to use kinematic and morphometric data to design physical models and numerical simulations. These models and simulations are then be used to better understand the fluid dynamic forces experienced by organisms. Our work focuses on two model systems: flight adaptations in the smallest flying insects, such as thrips and parasitoid wasps, and the mechanism of blood pumping during development in the embryonic heart and over evolutionary time in the vertebrate heart.

Please visit the links below to learn more about all of the projects going on in our group.


Animal Locomotion




Cardiac Fluid Dynamics




Invertebrate Electrophysiology




Mechanotransduction




Plant Biomechanics & Biomaterials


Interested in joining the group?