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Bret W. Tobalske
MAJOR RESEARCH INTEREST: Biomechanics and Physiology of Bird Flight. As a comparative biomechanist, I enjoy exploring questions that blend biology with physics. My primary passion for science is for furthering understanding of the biology of bird flight. I use a variety of techniques in the laboratory and in the field to measure wing motion, muscle contractile behavior, and aerodynamics with an overall goal of improving understanding of how flight shapes the ecology and evolution of birds and other flying animals. Two key aspects of my research philosophy are that it is important to study biology both in the lab and in the field and, secondly, to maintain all questions within a comparative, phylogenetic context. We enjoy ample space and equipment for lab research, including a variety of high-speed cameras, banks of physiology-recording equipment, two variable-speed wind tunnels, and a laser-based system for digital particle image velocimetry of airflow. The phenomenal opportunities for field research in Montana and the outstanding aviary resources at the field station both make it easy to measure what animals are doing in the “real world” away from the artificial environment imposed within a laboratory. As I have broad interests in form and function of organisms, it is important to note that I am open to collaborating on projects, serving as an advisor to graduate students, with inquiry into other aspects of animals and plants aside from flight. For example, I am fascinated by the mechanics and ecology of wood excavation in cavity nesting birds. The principles of flow dynamics associated with flight are essentially the same as those for swimming, and this would open possibilities to supervise research involving locomotion in aquatic fish, reptiles and mammals. Presently, I am collaborating with Dr. Art Woods, also of the Division of Biological Sciences, to measure flow characteristics in the boundary layers of leaves. The Field Research Station at Fort Missoula is eager to host visiting scientists, so please contact me if you are interesting in working here during a sabbatical or other extended stay.
EDUCATION: University of Montana, Missoula, Organismal Biology and Ecology; PH.D.,1994
University of Montana, Missoula, Zoology, M.A., 1991
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:
RESEARCH SUPPORT: National Science Foundation: Aerodynamics of hummingbird flight. 2006-2009 National Science Foundation: Gait selection and power output in bird flight as measured using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV). 2003-2004 M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Murdock College Research Program For Life Sciences: In vivo Contractile Properties of Wing Muscles in Birds 2002-2004 National Science Foundation, Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement: Digital Imaging and Investigations in Biology, 2000-2002 M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Murdock College Research Program For Life Sciences: Comparative Biomechanics of Intermittent Flight in Birds. 2000-2002 University of Portland, Arthur Butine Faculty Development Grant: Gait Selection In Bird Flight, 2000. U.S. Agency For International Development, Fulbright Fellowship: Effects of Forest Management on the Ecology of Woodepeckers in the Haut-Jura, France.
Sigma Xi, Grant-in-Aid of Research: Intermittent Flight of Birds. 1992. Five Valleys Audubon Society, Field Biology Research Award: Red-naped Sapsucker Habitat Suitability Based on Reproductive Success. 1990. AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS AND HONORS: The Outstanding Scholarship Award, University of Portland, 2003. Arthur Butine Supplemental Award, 1999 and 2001 D. Dwight Davis Award, Best Student Paper in Vertebrate Morphology, 1995 Most Outstanding Student Poster, Society of American Foresters, 1991 Bertha Morton Scholarship, 1990-1994 Charles L. Foote Achievement Award, 1988 Robert W. Davis Memorial Scholarship, 1987 Mark A. Montaba Memorial Award, 1986 Southern Illinois University Foundation Merit Scholarship, 1984 All College Scholar, 1984 Liberal Arts and Sciences Honor Society and National Dean's List, 1984-1988 National Merit Scholar, 1984
RESEARCH CONSULTING: Research Consultant, Department of Engineering, University of New Mexico, 2006-2009. Research Consultant, Flight Laboratory, University of Montana, 2005-present. Research Consultant, Concord Field Station, Harvard University, 1999-2002; present. Research Specialist, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Missoula, MT, 1997.
PUBLICATIONS: Peer-reviewed Research Papers
Tobalske, B.W., Biewener, A.A., Warrick, D.R., Hedrick, T.L., and Powers, D.R. (2010). Effects of flight speed upon muscle activity in hummingbirds. J. Exp. Biol. 213, 2515-2523. Tobalske, B.W., Hearn, J.W.D. and Warrick, D.R. (2009). Aerodynamics of intermittent bounds in flying birds. Exp. Fluids DOI 10.1007/s00348-009-0614-9. Tobalske, B.W. and Biewener, A.A. (2008). Contractile properties of the pigeon supracoracoideus during different modes of flight. J. Exp. Biol. 211, 170-179. Tobalske, B.W. (2007). Biomechanics of bird flight. J. Exp. Biol.210, 3135-3146. Tobalske, B.W. Warrick, D.R., Clark, C.J. Powers, D.R., Hedrick, T.L. Hyder, G.A., Biewener, A.A. (2007). Three-dimensional kinematics of hummingbird
Warrick, D.R., Tobalske, B.W. Powers, D.R. and Dickinson, M.H. (2007). The aerodynamics of hummingbird flight. Am. Inst. Aero. Astro. 2007-41, 1-5 Tobalske, B.W. and Dial, K.P. (2007). Aerodynamics of wing-assisted incline running in birds. J. Exp. Biol., 210, 1742-1751. Tobalske, B.W., Puccinelli, L.A. and Sheridan, D.C. (2005). Contractile activity of the pectoralis in the zebra finch according to mode and velocity of flap-
Warrick, D.R., Tobalske, B.W. and Powers, D.R. (2005). Aerodynamics of hovering in hummingbirds. Nature. 435, 1094-1097. Tobalske, B.W., Altshuler, D. and Powers, D. (2004). Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae). J. Exp. Biol. 207, 1345-1352. Tobalske, B.W., T.L. Hedrick, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). Wing kinematics of avian flight across speeds. J. Avian Biol. 34, 177-184. Tobalske, B.W., T.L. Hedrick, K.P. Dial, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). Comparative power curves in bird flight. Nature. 421, 363-366. Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2003). How cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) modulate pectoralis power output across flight speeds.
Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2002). Estimates of circulation and gait change based on a three-dimensional kinematic analysis of flight in
Tobalske, B.W. (2001). Morphology, velocity, and intermittent flight in birds. Amer. Zool. 41, 177-187. Warrick, D.R., B.W. Tobalske, A.A. Biewener, and K.P. Dial. (2001). Sonomicrometry and kinematic estimates of the mechanical power of bird flight.
Tobalske, B.W. (2000). Biomechanics and physiology of gait selection in flying birds. Physiol. Biochem. Zool. 73, 736-750. Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (2000). Effects of body size on takeoff flight performance in the Phasianidae (Aves). J. Exp. Biol. 203, 3319-3332. Tobalske, C., and B.W. Tobalske. (1999). Using atlas data to model the distribution of woodpecker species in the Jura, France. Condor 101, 472-483. Tobalske, B.W., W. Peacock, and K.P. Dial. (1999). Kinematics of flap-bounding flight in the zebra finch over a wide range of speeds.
Biewener, A. A., W.R. Corning, and B.W. Tobalske. (1998). In vivo pectoralis muscle force-length behavior during level flight in pigeons (Columba livia).
Tobalske, B.W., N.E. Olson, and K.P. Dial. (1997). Flight of the black-billed magpie: variation in wing kinematics, neuromuscular control, and muscle
Tobalske, B.W. (1997). Lewis' Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis). In The Birds of North America, No. 284 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of
Dial, K.P., A.A. Biewener, B.W. Tobalske, and D.R. Warrick. (1997). Mechanical power output of bird flight. Nature 390, 67-70. Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1996). Flight kinematics of the Black-billed Magpie and Rock Dove over a wide range of speeds. J. Exp. Biol. 199, 263-280. Tobalske, B.W. (1996). Scaling of muscle composition, wing morphology, and intermittent flight behavior in woodpeckers. Auk 113, 151-177. Tobalske, B.W. (1995). Neuromuscular control and kinematics of intermittent flight in the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). J. Exp. Biol. 198, 1259-1273. Tobalske, C. and B.W. Tobalske. (1995). Avifaune et activites humaines: Une étude de la distribution des pics dans le Jura avec un SIG.
Tobalske, B.W., R.C. Shearer, and R.L. Hutto. (1995). Maintaining bird diversity in Western Larch/Douglas-fir Forests.
Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1994). Neuromuscular control and kinematics of intermittent flight in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus).
Tobalske, B.W. (1992). Evaluating habitat suitability using relative abundance and fledging success of red-naped sapsuckers. Condor 94, 550-553. Tobalske, B.W., R.C. Shearer, and R.L. Hutto. (1991). Bird populations in logged and unlogged western larch/Douglas-fir forest in northwestern Montana.
Invited Review Tobalske, B.W. (2006). Flight of Fascination: Avian Flight, J. Exp. Biol. 209, 2005-2006 Published Abstracts Tobalske, B., Warrick, D., Dickson, W., Altshuler, D. and Dickinson, M. (2007). Hovering aerodynamics in hummingbirds: Comparing a dynamically-scaled robot with live birds . Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A. 146, S115. Tobalske, B.W. and Biewener, A.A. (2006). Antagonists of the avian wing: mechanics of the pectoralis and supracoracoideus among flight modes in the pigeon.
Ranola, J.O., Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R., Powers, D.R. (2006). Circulation in the wake of the flying hummingbird: effects of thresholding and vortex decay.
Hearn, J.W.D., Tobalske, B.W. and Warrick, D.R. (2005). Contribution of body lift to the aerodynamics of flap-bounding. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 1143. Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R., and Powers, D.R. (2005). Effect of wing design on wake structure in small flying birds. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 1084. Tobalske, B., Warrick, D. and Powers, D. (2005). Wake dynamics of hummingbirds flying over a wide range of speeds. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 141, S138. Tobalske, B. (2005). Muscle function and wake dynamics during flap-bounding flight in the zebra finch. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 141, S131. Dial, K.P. and Tobalske, B.W. (2005). WAIR Flow: Ontogeny of wing aerodynamics during incline running in birds. Int. Comp. Biol., 45, 988. Warrick, D.R. Tobalske, B.W. and Powers, D.R. (2004). Kinematic symmetry and aerodynamic asymmetry in the hoering flight of hummingbirds.
Tobalske, B.W., Warrick, D.R. and Powers, D.R. (2004). Dynamics of the hummingbird wake during forward flight over a wide range of speeds.
Hyder, G., Tobalske, B., Clark, C., Powers, D., Warrick, D., Hedrick, T., and Biewener, A. (2004). How hummingbirds vary their flight speed: Measurements of
Tobalske, B., Clark, C., Powers, D. Hyder, G., Warrick, D. Hedrick, T. and Biewener, A. (2003). 3D kinematics and neuromuscular activity during hummingbird
Clark, C.J. Tobalske, B. and Powers, D. (2003). Forward flight kinematics of rufus hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) with and without their tails.
Tobalske, B.W. and L.A. Puccinelli. (2002). Effects of flight mode on contractile activity in the pectoralis of zebra finch. Int. Comp. Biol. 42, 1324-1325. Tobalske, B.W., D.L. Altshuler, and D.L. Powers. (2001). Take-off mechanics in hummingbirds (Trochilidae). Amer. Zool. 41, 1608. Tobalske, B.W. and B.B. Zimmerman. (2001) Effects of flight distance on take-off mechanics in zebra finches. Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci. 37, 18. Puccinelli, L.. and B.W. Tobalske (2001). In vivo pectoralis muscle contractile activity in zebra finch (Taenopygia guttata) during flight.
Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, K.P. Dial, and A.A. Biewener. (2001). Power output of cockatiels: a musculo-skeletal and aerodynamic approach.
Davis, A.P. and B.W. Tobalske (2001). Effect of Distance on Flap-Bounding Flight Performance. Proc. Oregon Acad. Sci 37, 13. Zimmerman, B.B. and B.W. Tobalske. (2000). Effect of Flight Distance on Take-Off Mechanics in Zebra Finch. Amer. Zool 40, 1272. Tobalske, B.W., A.A. Biewener, and B.B. Zimmerman. (2000). Scaling of takeoff mechanics in doves (Columbidae). Amer. Zool 40, 1235. Hedrick, T.L., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (2000). 3D Kinematic Analysis of Lift Production Over a Range of Speeds in Ring-necked Doves and
Davis, A.P. and B.W. Tobalske. (2000). Effect of Distance on Flap-Bounding Flight Performance. Amer. Zool. 40, 991. Tobalske, B.W. (1999). Morphology, velocity, and intermittent flight in birds. Amer. Zool. 39, 4A. Biewener, A.A., B.W. Tobalske, R. Hicks, and D. Starks. (1999). In vivo mechanics of the pigeon supracoracoideus and pectoralis during flight.
Tobalske, B.W. 1999. Physiology and biomechanics of gait selection in flying birds.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 124A, S10. Dial, K.P., D.R. Warrick, B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (1998). Power output of magpies: estimates of humeral excursion via pectoral sonomicrometry
Bosdyk, A.K., and B.W. Tobalske (1998). Muscle composition and flight performance in pigeons and doves (Columbiformes). Amer. Zool. 38, 126A. Tobalske, B.W., W. Peacock, and K.P. Dial. (1997). Intermittent flight of the zebra finch over a wide range of speeds. Amer. Zool. 37, 76A. Dial, K.P., B.W. Tobalske, and A.A. Biewener. (1997). Experimental studies in avian flight: The importance of studying a range of behaviours.
Dial, K.P. and B.W. Tobalske. (1997). Scaling of muscle strain in galliform birds. Amer. Zool. 37, 29A. Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1996). Scaling of escape-flight performance in galliform birds. Amer. Zool. 36, 113A. Dial, K.P., A.A. Biewener, and B.W. Tobalske. (1995). Mechanical power output of birds in flight. Amer. Zool. 35, 148A. Tobalske, B.W. (1994) The scaling of intermittent flight behavior and wing morphology in woodpeckers. Amer. Zool. 34, 57A. Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1993). Flight kinematics of black-billed magpies and pigeons over a wide range of speeds. Amer. Zool. 33, 134A. Tobalske, B.W. and K.P. Dial. (1992). Neuromuscular control of intermittent flight in parakeets (Melopsittacus undulatus). Amer. Zool. 32, 153A. Tobalske, B.W., R.L. Hutto, and R.C. Shearer. (1990). The effects of timber harvesting on the reproductive success of red-naped sapsuckers
Papers in the Popular Press, Art Exhibits D’Agostino, F. and Tobalske, B. (2007). Flight studies. Elizabeth Leach Gallery, Portland. Tobalske, B.W. (2001). Stop time. Portland Magazine, 20, 11. Tobalske, B.W. (2000). Doves in flight. The Doveline: American Dove Association Newsletter, 05-06/00, 4-5. PRESENTATIONS: Invited Speaker 2007:
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MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND POSITIONS HELD: American Ornithologists’ Union Cooper Ornithological Society Groupe Ornithologique du Jura Oregon Academy of Science Sigma Xi Society for Experimental Biology Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, (2002-2004) Program Officer, Division of Vertebrate Morphology. UNIVERSITY SERVICE: 2007-2008: Academic Senate 2007-2008: Chair, Biology Faculty Search Committee 2005-Present: Teaching and Scholarship Committee 2002-Present: Institutional Review Board 2002-2003: Biology Faculty Search Committee 2001-2002: Chemistry and Physics Faculty Search Committee 2001-Present: Goldwater Scholarship Committee 1999-Present: Institutional Animal Care And Use Committee, Chair 2002-Present
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Committee Member, Doctoral Dissertations 2007-Present: Angela Berg, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University 2003-2005: Mathew Bundle, Organismal Biology and Ecology, University of Montana 2002-2004: Tyson Hedrick, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University |
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