Education
Ph.D., Population Biology, University of California, Davis
B.A., Biology, Cornell University
Sarah J. Longo, Ph.D.
she/her/hers
Assistant Professor
Contact Info
Email:
Areas of Expertise
Integrative Biology
Evolution, Biomechanics
Functional Morphology
Biography
Sarah Longo’s research program investigates how animals work and how function evolves across broad evolutionary timescales by focusing on ecologically relevant traits in a variety of systems. For example, she has worked on the evolution of novel feeding structures and behaviors in fishes, the origin of lungs in vertebrates, the diversity of the hyoid apparatus, and the biomechanics of aquatic snapping crustaceans. In addition, she has worked with a variety of organisms that achieve ultra-high-speed motions through the use of Latch-Mediated Spring Actuation (LaMSA) mechanisms to store and release elastic energy. Ongoing research in her lab integrates across evolution, biomechanics, and comparative morphology and uses a variety of techniques such as phylogenetic comparative methods, high-speed videography, and micro-CT scanning.
Recent Publications
Stiller, J, G Short, H Hamilton, N Saarman, SJ Longo, P Wainwright, GW Rouse, B Simison. (2022) Phylogenomic analysis of Syngnathidae reveals novel relationships, origins of endemic diversity and variable diversification rates. BMC Biology. 20: 1-21.
Longo, SJ, W Ray, GM Farley, J Harrison, J Jorge, T Kaji, AR Palmer, SN Patek. (2021) Snaps of a tiny amphipod push the boundary of ultrafast, repeatable movement. Current Biology. 31: R116-R117.