I seek to use a broad and interdisciplinary approach to ask questions about the origin and evolution of novel morphological innovations in vertebrates
I use various forms of art to communicate my research to both the scientific community and the public
Website design by ER Schachner
2012 American Association of Anatomists Postdoctoral Fellow
08/2011-Present - Honorary Research Fellow, University of Manchester Palaeontology Research Group
07/2010-Present - Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, University of Utah (PI: Dr. CG Farmer)
2010 Ph.D. Dept. of Earth & Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania. Thesis: Anatomical reconstructions of respiratory morphology and hindlimb musculature in Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Poposauroidea) and related dinosauriformes (Supervisor: Prof. Peter Dodson; External supervisor: Dr. Phil Manning)
2006 M.Sc. in Paleobiology (First Class Honors), Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, U.K. Thesis: The osteology and myology of the pectoral girdle of Tenontosaurus tilletti (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) (Supervisors: Prof. Mike Benton and Dr. Phil Manning)
2004 B.A. in Political Science, Dept. of Political Science, Bucknell University ; Semester abroad with the School for Field Studies (SFS) in Kenya (Wildlife ecology and management)
Extracurricular Activities
2011-present Muay Thai trainer at Punisher Muay Thai (Salt Lake City, UT)
2009-present Muay Thai (Thai boxing) training
2002-present Studio musician (6-string electric violin), select clients include: New Jersey Lottery, Pathmark, GlaxosmithKlein and MAJA Audiogroup. Demo available upon request.
1996-present Member of an Irish/Rock/Blues band (6-string electric violin)
2007-2009 University of Pennsylvania Club Lacrosse team member and coach
2007-2009 Freelance personal trainer
2004-2005 University of Bristol 1st team Lacrosse
2004-2005 England West Reserve Lacrosse team
2005 British Universities Sports Assoc. (BUSA) South Lacrosse Team
My research utilizes an integrative approach to ask questions about the anatomy, physiology and evolution of extinct and extant archosaurs.
As an integrative paleobiologist, I am interested in:
To address these specific questions, my primary areas of research are focused on:
I strongly believe in the use of methods and data from a broad range of scientific disciplines. I integrate data from the fossil record (both from collections and from the field) with anatomical, physiological and developmental studies of extant animals using dissection, experimental methods, immunohistochemistry, ditigal modeling, and 3D medical-grade and high-resolution computed tomography (CT) imagery
I am currently working on a few collaborative projects with my PI (Dr. CG Farmer) on the evolution of the amniote respiratory system. We are using methods from various different scientific disciplines to gain insight into the anatomy and physiology of the lungs of extant amniotes and attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of one of the most morphologically diverse vertebrate organs.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
A joint project with Dr. Farmer and Dr. Metzger (UCSF) is aimed at investigating the effects that varied ambient oxygen levels have upon the embryonic development of the lung in Alligator mississippiensis . Alligators are well known for their phenotypic plasticity, and thus are a good model organism for experimental study. We are mapping out the developmental branching patterns of the pulmonary airways and then using experimental methods to determine the effects that varying levels of oxygen have upon lung development.
PALEONTOLOGY
Examination of the thoracic rib and vertebral anatomy of extant archosaurs indicates a relationship between the postcranial axial skeleton and pulmonary anatomy allowing for predictions of the respiratory morphology of extinct taxa. The data from this research thus far suggest a progression from a dorsally immobile thin-walled lung in basal dinosauriform archosaurs towards a small volume-constant avian-style lung in saurischian dinosaurs. This immobility of the lung was likely critical for the thinning of the blood-gas barrier, which may have been one of the key evolutionary traits giving dinosauriform archosaurs an aerobic advantage during the Late Triassic.
The next step in this project that is currently underway is to analyze the vertebral column of basal archosaurs to (1) reconstruct the plesiomorphic pulmonary state for Archosauria, and (2) to crocodylomorphs to determine when (or if there is evidence of when) the crocodilian hepatic-piston lung evolved.
Relevant publications:
Schachner et al. 2011 Evolution of the Dinosauriform Respiratory Apparatus. Anat Rec 294:1532-1547.
Schachner et al. 2009. Evolution of the Respiratory System in Nonavian theropods. Anat Rec 292: 1501-1513.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY: AIRFLOW PATTERNS
Unidirectional airflow was discovered in the pulmonary bronchi of American alligator and is thus likely plesiomorphic for Archosauria. We are mapping out the bronchial gross anatomy, the orientation of the microvasculature, and air capillaries of the American alligator and other crocodilian taxa using µCT and medical grade CT as well as injections of latex, silicone and flourescing microspheres. Measurement of airflow in these taxa is directly measured via dual-bead heated thermistors and modeled using the CFD program Fluent.
FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGY & BIOMECHANICS
My current research in this subject is on the evolution of posture and locomotor habits in basal archosaurs. In collaboration with Dr. Karl Bates (Liverpool), we are investigating functional disparity in bipedal locomotion between bipedal archosaurs using Poposaurus gracilis (YPM 57100) as a fossil model organism
This is two-part project composed of the following steps:
Then the following questions can be addressed:
Relevant Publications:
Bates KT, Schachner ER. In Press. Disparity and convergence in bipedal archosaur locomotion. Royal Society Interface.
Schachner et al. 2011. Pelvic and hindlimb myology of the basal archosaur Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Poposauroidea). J Morphol 272: 1464-1491.
Gauthier et al. 2011. The bipedal stem crocodilian Poposaurus gracilis : Inferring function in fossils and innovation in archosaur locomotion. Bull Peabody Mus Nat Hist 52:107-126.
PALEOPATHOLOGY
A project is currently underway to describe and interpret the pathological asymmetry in a bipedal basal archosaur. This is a collaborative effort with Dr. Colin Shaw (University of Cambridge) and Dr. Daniel Malleske (University of Utah). This research also aims to generate a standarized methodology for taking osteometric measurements in extinct and extant archosaurs.
A second project that has recently been completed describes the external and internal pathological bone from a tendon avulsion in the manus of Tenontosaurus tilletti (Manchester Museum) using X-ray microtomography (XMT). This project was lead by Dr. Phil Manning and the results have been submitted for publication and are currently in review.
Relevant abstracts:
Shirley MK, Schachner ER, Shaw CN. 2010. Asymmetric skeletal adaptation to a debilitating pathology in the hindlimb of Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Poposauroidea). J Vert Paleontol 30:164A
The analysis of a largely complete and extraordinarily well preserved postcranial skeleton of Poposaurus gracilis has provided the opportunity to quantify the uncharacteristic hind limb bilateral asymmetry of this bipedal nondinosaurian archosaur. Percent directional asymmetry was calculated from caliper based morphometric measurements of the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, astragalus, and calcaneum, as well as estimates of long bone diaphyseal robusticity (J, Imax, Imin) measured at the midshaft using cross-sectional moulds. Pronounced directional asymmetry was found in virtually all measures of length, width, circumference and robusticity in all major long bones, as well as the calcaneum and astragalus. The extent of the variation is exemplified by the bilateral differences in the calcaneal tuber. In an obligate biped, the finding of pronounced left hindlimb robusticity indicates a unique gait pattern involving the relative unloading of the right hindlimb. The level of bone remodeling required to produce this asymmetry suggests that this individual was able to maintain itself, in spite of this potentially debilitating variation, for a significant period of its life. This high level of hindlimb bilateral asymmetry is uncharacteristic of a healthy obligate biped, and points to the etiology being pathological or traumatic in nature.
Schachner ER and Manning PL. 2008. 3D trauma using X-ray microtomography in Tenontosaurus tilletti, Cloverly Formation (Montana, USA). J Vertebr Paleontol 28:136A
The study of disease and injury in the fossil record dates back to Moodies early 19th century descriptions of abnormalities preserved in the fossilized remains of extinct animals. The identification and classification of pathological bone allows for a more complete understanding of the biology and physiology of extinct taxa. Extrapolating inferences of dinosaurian behavior is more difficult, however pathological bones give insight into predator-prey relationships, intraspecific interactions, and disease or trauma experienced by an animal. While pathological bones are being increasingly documented for the Dinosauria, the identification of the underlying cause of many pathological conditions remains equivocal until the basic physiological responses of archosaur bone to disease are better understood. Accurate descriptions of pathological bones in both extinct and relevant extant taxa are essential in order to better understand the complex nature of osteological responses to injury and disease in archosaurs. This study provides a detailed anatomical description of both external and internal pathological bone in a new specimen of Tenontosaurus tilletti (UMM LL.12275), housed at The Manchester Museum (University of Manchester). The macroscopic mechanical properties of trabecular bone are related to both the 3D architecture and properties of individual trabeculae. In this study, X-ray microtomography has been used to determine the internal 3D architecture of a number of trabecular structures and develop meshes for finite-element analysis. A distinct osteophyte projecting from the lateral surface of the terminal phalanx of digit II (left manus) is consistent with exostosis as a function of a tendon avulsion, resulting in the observable trauma. The x-ray microtomography supports this interpretation and provides an additional internal, 3D microstructural marker in the trabecular bone that is directly related to the external avulsion pathology (osteophyte). The response of the bone to the trauma can be quantitatively assessed for the first time in three dimensions and compared with similar trauma observed within extant species.
ANATOMY AND OSTEOLOGY
Current projects include:
PUBLICATIONS
2012
Bates KT, Schachner ER. In press. Disparity and convergence in bipedal archosaur locomotion. Royal Society Interface.
2011
Schachner ER , Manning PL, Dodson P. 2011. Pelvic and hindlimb myology of the basal archosaur Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Poposauroidea). Journal of Morphology. 272:1464-1491.
Schachner ER , Farmer CG, McDonald A, Dodson P. 2011. Evolution of the dinosauriform respiratory system: evidence from rib and vertebral morphology. Anatomical Record 294: 1532-1547.
Gauthier JA, Nesbitt SJ, Schachner ER , Bever GS, Joyce WG. 2011. A new bipedal stem crocodilian, early archosaur phylogeny, and innovation in archosaur locomotion. Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History 52:107-126.
2009
Schachner ER , Lyson T, Dodson P. 2009. Evidence from rib and vertebral morphology for the evolution of the avian respiratory system in non-avian theropod dinosaurs. Anatomical Record B 292:1501-1513.
Published Abstracts
Schachner ER , Metzger RJ, Farmer CG. Development of the lung in Alligator mississippiensis (Crocodylomorpha: Archosauria) and the evolution of the archosaurian respiratory system. J Vertebr Paleontol. Accepted.
Lamanna M, Sues H-D, Schachner ER , Lyson T. A new caenagnathid oviraptorosaur (Theropoda: Maniraptora) from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Hell Creek Cormation of the western United States. J Vertebr Paleontol. Accepted.
Taylor EP, Schachner ER , Farmer CG. Variation in hindlimb muscle attachment sites in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and implications for paleobiological reconstructions. J Vertebr Paleontol. Accepted.
Hanson BY, Bell AW, Cipriani MA, Schachner ER , Farmer CG. Environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity in the Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and its impact on avian evolution. J Vertebr Paleontol. Accepted.
Schachner ER , Sarrazin JC, Bates KT. 2011. The biomechanics of pillar-erect suchian archosaurs:
convergence and disparity in bipedal archosaur locomotion. Integr Comp Biol.
Minear KJ, Kurnath P, Farmer CG, Schachner E . 2011. Pulmonary development in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Integr Comp Biol.
Ingebretsen S, Schachner E , Farmer CG. 2011. Unidirectional airflow in the lungs of American alligators. Integr Comp Biol.
Schachner ER. 2010. Evolution of the dinosauriform respiratory system: new evidence from the postcranial axial skeleton. J Vertebr Paleontol 30:158A.
Shirley MK, Schachner ER , Shaw CN. 2010. Asymmetric skeletal adaptation to a debilitating pathology in the hindlimb of Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Poposauroidea). J Vertebr Paleontol 30 (164A).
Schachner ER , Dodson P. 2009. Pelvic and hindlimb myology of the basal archosaur Poposaurus gracilis (Archosauria: Suchia). J Vertebr Paleontol 29:177A.
Schachner ER, McDonald A, Morschhouser E, Dodson P. 2009. Evolution of the archosaurian respiratory system: Evidence from rib and vertebral morphology. Cincinnati Museum Center Scientific Contributions 3: 80.
Schachner ER , Manning PL. 2008. 3D trauma analysis using x-ray microtomography in Tenontosaurus tilletti, Cloverly Formation (Montana, USA). J Vertebr Paleontol 28: 136A.
Schachner ER , Lyson T, Atterholt J, Hanks H. 2007. A preliminary report of a new specimen of Chirostenotes (Oviraptorosauria: Theropoda) from the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota. J Vertebr Paleontol 27:141A.
Atterholt J, Jefferson G, Schachner E . 2007. New marine vertebrates from the Yuha Member of the Deguynos Formation of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. J Vertebr Paleontol 27:42A.
Lyson T, Schachner E , Hanks H, Tremain E. 2006. Two new Eubaenine (Baenidae: Testudines) turtle taxa from the latest Cretaceous of North Dakota. J Vertebr Paleontol 26:92A.
Lyson T, Schachner E , Tremain, E, Hanks H. 2005. Sexual dimorphism in Eubaena from the Late Cretaceous (Hell Creek Formation) of southwestern North Dakota. J Vertebr Paleontol 25:86A.
Lyson T, Schachner E , Tremain E, Hanks H. 2004. Preliminary report of a significant assemblage of baenid turtles from the Upper Cretaceous (Maestrichtian) Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota. J Vertebr Paleontol 24: 86A.
Picture by ottonassar
Professional Scientific Illustration since 2004
Illustrator for the Marmarth Research Foundation (MRF)
www.mrfdigs.com
Select clients include:
The McGraw-Hill Companies
The New York Times
The Manchester Museum (UK)
Dr. Peter Dodson (University of Pennsylvania)
Dr. Scott Gilbert (Swarthmore College)
Dr. Walter Joyce (University of Tübingen)
Private Collectors
If interested in a commissioned work, or to purchase an illustration, contact me via email: eschachner at gmail dot com
2010
Judy Schachner -
Author & Illustrator
www.skippyjonjones.com
www.judithbyronschachner.com
Sarah Schachner - TV, Video Game & Film Composer
www.sarahschachner.com
Bob Schachner -
Audio Engineer
www.shootersinc.com
