We’d like to thank Annie Roth and Chris Schodt for a recent video highlighting the Ornithopterus Lab and our recent research in Science Magazine…read more
Open Ph.D. position in Animal Dynamics
Are you fascinated by how animals fly, swim, or interact with capillary and electrostatic forces —and inspired by the idea of using these principles to create bio-inspired designs? We are seeking highly creative and motivated Ph.D. students to join our lab starting in Fall 2026. Information here.
The Ornithopterus Lab focuses on organismal dynamics, from flamingos and hummingbirds to insects and nematodes. Through observation-based research and creative thinking, we explore how organisms move through challenging environments —like rain, turbulence, or dust devils—and the trade-offs driven by capillary and electrostatic forces.
Nectar from the sky
Precipitation has the capacity to disrupt animal behavior, and during extreme events even jeopardize survival. We are particularly interested in how these complex flows affect animals' locomotion.
Learn More »Sparks & wetting
At small scales, electrostatic and capillary forces reign over other forces, such as gravity. We investigate the effects produced by these forces on tiny organisms, as well as on ecological interactions.
Learn More »Storm winds
In nature fluids run wild. Vortex shedding, ripples, and turbulence are fundamental features of natural flows. We study the locomotor control, manuevering, and energetics of animals as they navigate these challenging conditions.
Learn More »Lab news
Featured Video in Science
Oct 17, 2025Ripple bugs in Science
Aug 21, 2025
We are excited to share our new research on fanned water striders, that is published in Science and featured on the cover.…read more
SICB News
Jun 4, 2025
We thank Brady Nichols for highligthing our SICB 2025 talk on leg-mediated aerial control in water striders …read more
Flamingos Uncovered
May 12, 2025The New York times, BBC Wildlife, SN, and the Short Wave Podcast featured our research on how filter-feeding flamingos produce vortex traps…read more
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