Dr Liz Martin-Silverstone
BSc, MSc, PhD
Expertise
I am responsible for running the Palaeobiology Laboratories, including the XTM Imaging Facility for microCT scanning and imaging analysis, and several wet labs for micro- and macro-palaeo and biological preparation and analysis
Current positions
Technical Specialist
School of Earth Sciences
Contact
Press and media
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Biography
I'm originally from Canada where I completed my undergraduate in Paleontology at the University of Alberta. I wanted to work on pterosaurs, which are relatively uncommon in Canada, so decided to move abroad for graduate school, I settled on the University of Bristol to complete the MSc in Palaeobiology, where I first started working on pterosaurs and CT scans. I completed my MSc with Distinction in 2012, where I looked at the bone mass of pterosaur wings and mass estimation methodology. I then moved to the University of Southampton for my PhD, where I continued the theme of pterosaurs and CT scans, looking at pterosaur pneumaticity (how much air is in their bones), biomechanics, and further work on mass estimation. It was during my PhD that I really became interested in CT scanning and 3D imaging, and what can be done with this research. I graduated from my PhD in 2017.
After finishing, I worked part time in a biomedical lab at the University of Bristol, gaining more experience with CT scanning of zebrafish. It was then that I learned how to perform scans myself, and learned more CT related methodology like estimating bone density. I then did some part time and short term research assistant positions using these skills on everything from tiny foraminifera to early reptile fossils, learning more about 3D imaging analysis. Having experience in all things CT put me in a good position to be hired as the Palaeobiology Lab Manager first in 2019 (temporarily) and then permanently in 2020.
Projects and supervisions
Thesis supervisions
Quantifying pterosaur launch
Supervisors
Publications
Recent publications
22/07/2021Osteology and digital reconstruction of the skull of the early tetrapod Whatcheeria deltae
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Volant Fossil Vertebrates: Potential for Bioinspired Flight Technology
Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Does postcranial palaeoneurology provide insight into pterosaur behaviour and lifestyle? New data from the azhdarchoid Vectidraco and the ornithocheirids Coloborhynchus and Anhanguera
Palaeontology