Presentation
Bats fly with astonishing control. The control stems from their flexible wings, which are far more sophisticated than any flying structure designed by humans. As a result, bats are versatile fliers and can thrive in diverse environments. Yet these environments place unique demands on the flight behaviors and flight apparatuses of bats that has resulted in a variety of bat wing morphologies. Wing morphology is a multifaceted trait that has dramatic effects on aerodynamic force production and control, both through the aerodynamic properties of the shape itself as well as its control of the 3-dimensional configuration of the wing during flight. Methodological shortcomings have previously restricted researchers’ abilities to quantify the 3-dimensional wing shape of animals during flight. During this talk, Erik will present preliminary data from his current project in which he aims to link wing morphology, wing shape dynamics during flight, and aeroecology using geometric morphometrics, motion capture, and a novel technique for digitally reconstructing surfaces.
Speaker
Erik Sathe began his research career as a bachelor's student at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, studying how variation in lizard shape influences running and climbing performance. This early interest in the links between animal form and function led him to the field of comparative biomechanics during his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied gliding and flight using geckos, salamanders, and a bioinspired robot as model systems. As a Carl Trygger Foundation postdoctoral fellow at Lund University in Sweden, he shifted his focus to birds and bats, continuing this work as a DSTrain postdoctoral fellow at UiO. His current research examines wing skeleton morphology and wing movement in bats, with broader interests in the evolution of animal shape and how morphology influences interactions with the environment.
Program
11:30?– Doors open and lunch is served
12:00?– "Bat wing shape and dynamics for flight versatility" by Erik Sathe (Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biosciences)
This event is open for all students, PhD candidates, postdocs, and everyone else who is interested in the topic. No registration needed.
About the seminar series
Once a month, dScience will invite you to join us for lunch and professional talks?at the Science Library. In addition to these, we will serve lunch in our lounge in Kristine Bonnevies house every Thursday. Due to limited space (40 people), this will be first come, first served.?See how to find us here.
Our lounge can also be booked by?PhDs and Postdocs on a regular basis, whether it is for a meeting or just to hang out – we have fresh coffee all day long!