Andrew A. Biewener
Faculty Support: Andra Hollis
Our research focuses on the comparative biomechanics of mammalian and avian locomotion. We study the neuromuscular control of movement during walking and running, as well as during flight. Our studies are motivated by evolutionary and ecological perspectives, as well as seeking to inspire biorobotic approaches to movement. We also examine adaptive remodeling (phenotypic plasticity) and the design of musculoskeletal systems.
Zhang, Z. M., Konow, N. and Biewener, A. A. (2025). Hummingbirds excel at maneuvering and flying through tight spaces. 228, jeb250269. doi:10.1242/jeb.250269.
Bhagavatula, P. S. and Biewener, A. A. (2025). Landing on a swinging perch: peach-faced lovebirds prefer extremes. J. Exp. Biol. 228 (8): jeb249692.
Schwaner, M. J., Gordon, J. C., Biewener, A. A., and Daley, M. A. (2023). Muscle force-length dynamics during walking over obstacles indicates delayed recovery and a shift towards more ‘strut-like’ function in birds with proprioceptive deficit. J. exp. Biology 266:12.
Biewener, A. A., Bomphrey RN, Daley MA, Isjpeert AJ. (2022). Stability and manoeuvrability in animal movement: lessons from biology, modelling, and robotics. Proceedings of the Royal Society, B. 289 (1967): 1-5.
Lai A, Dick TJM, Biewener AA, Wakeling JM. (2021). Task-dependent recruitment across ankle extensor muscles and between mechanical demands is driven by the metabolic cost of muscle contraction. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 18 (174).
Biewener AA, Wakeling JM, Konow N. (2021). Modeling muscle function using experimentally determined subject-specific muscle properties. Journal of Biomechanics. 117 (110242).
Taylor-Burt KR, Biewener AA. (2020). Aquatic and terrestrial takeoffs require different hindlimb kinematics and muscle function in mallard ducks. Journal of Experimental Biology. 223 (16).
Courses Taught
OEB 173: Comparative Biomechanics
OEB 307: Biomechanics, Physiology and Musculoskeletal Biology