Natalia Taft, PhD

Teaching Interests

My primary teaching interests are Introductory Biology for majors and non-majors, Human Anatomy and Physiology and Developmental Biology. I also co-designed and am team-teaching out new sophomore-level Research Process in Biology course, which I am excited about this year!

Research Interests

My research focuses on understanding the evolution and relationship of structure and function of bony fish fins. I am currently investigating this relationship in basal actinopterygian (ray-finned) fishes as well as benthic specialist fishes like flatfish. I have also recently become interested in the evolution of fish coloration and am actively pursuing projects in this area.

Consulting Interests

Selected Publications

2020: Fin ray patterns at the fin-to-limb transition, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (1612-1620 pp.)

2018: Variation in the flexural stiffness of the lepidotrichia within and among the soft fit of yellow perch under different preservation techniques, Journal of Morphology (1045-1057 pp.)

2017: Comparative morphology and mechanical properties of the lepidotrichia of climbing and non-climbing Hawaiian gobioid fishes, Cybium (107-115 pp.)

Departmental Service

: - Assessment Liason, Biological Sciences

College Service

: Committee Member - Animal Care and Use Committee

University Service

: Committee Member - Student Success Steering Committee

Public Service

: Officer, Vice President - Wastewater Commission