Brigitte Demes
Professor
Education
PhD, University of Bochum (Germany), 1982
PhD, University of Bochum (Germany), 1982
Phone
(631) 444-3119
(631) 444-3119
Research : Biomechanics and functional morphology, kinematics and kinetics of primate locomotion, influence of body size on locomotion and the structure of the musculoskeletal system, long bone loading patterns.
Dr. Demes' primary research interest is the interaction between function and form in the primate locomotor system which she studies using methods of biomechanics and functional morphology. Research in progress addresses the variability in orientation of the substrate reaction force vector as animals perform a variety of motor tasks, including turning behaviors and locomotion on branch-like substrates. By simultaneously documenting limb postures, the variation in bending regimes of limb bones is documented. Such data contribute to a functional understanding of long bone cross-sectional geometry. In another project, the dynamics and kinematics of capuchin monkey bipedal gaits are documented. Capuchins use bipedal running gaits in their natural habitat and therefore offer an interesting template for interpreting the evolution of human bipedalism and running.
Current PhD Students:
Ronda Graves