Bioinspired health

Research Themes: Our research focuses on understanding the origins of adaptations that enhance life—from their single-cell embryonic beginnings to the cultural stories that shape our understanding of these traits. Our long-term aim is to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptations of extraordinary mammals.

Research Projects: Our research is focused on metabolic physiology and resilience through the lens of eco-evo-devo. To investigate how metabolic systems remain flexible and responsive to environmental change, we use bats as a model system. Nectar-feeding bats, in particular, experience high dietary sugar exposure and chronic hyperglycemia yet maintain metabolic health. Many of these species also occupy cave environments, where fluctuating resources and ecological constraints further shape metabolic demands. Together, these conditions provide a natural system to uncover the mechanisms of metabolic resilience.

Research Impact: By identifying how metabolism remains stable under conditions that typically lead to dysfunction in other mammals, our work aims to reveal new biological principles of metabolic regulation that can inform strategies to restore metabolic balance in human disease, including hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. These insights provide a framework for preserving metabolic flexibility as a means to prevent age-related decline in physiological function.