Research

The Patek Lab is dedicated to biological discovery and multidisciplinary translation at the intersection of evolution and mechanics.  The Patek Lab seeks the unifying principles that guide, limit and promote the evolutionary diversity of biomechanical systems, with a broad goal of transforming the understanding and emulation of biological mechanisms. Currently, the Patek Lab focuses primarily on extremely fast biological movements and has employed integrative and interdisciplinary approaches, including materials testing, behavioral studies, high speed imaging, mathematical and physical modeling, and evolutionary analyses. The Patek Lab’s research has yielded discoveries of new biological phenomena, original tests of macroevolutionary hypotheses, and new frameworks for understanding the mechanical foundations of biological diversity.