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        My lab is an undergraduate-centered research group that primarily uses reptiles as model organisms.  I prepare future scientists for professional fields of all types through rigorous training, experimentation, and full immersion into science.  The entire lab is focused on learning by doing.  Each student receives a tailored experience designed to maximize their education.  For this reason, my lab includes conservation majors, pre-dental, pre-med, and pre-vet students.  
        We focus on the mechanisms of predator-prey interactions from a variety of perspectives.  We combine the principles of functional morphology, behavior, physiology, and ecology to better understand how animals work.  
We often combine low-tech equipment with high-tech systems.  When  we use multiple approaches, broader implications and inferences can be made.  

High-speed strike project #2 from the lab is underway! With a little tinkering we were able reduce the number of high-output leds needed. In this video, we have "our favorite" adult western ratsnake and she never disappoints. We filmed her at 500 frames per second and what you are watching is only 6% real time. Watch her initial warning to us to back up before she ultimately decides to strike! #snakes #snake #snakesofinstagram #pantherophis #ratsnake #strike #snakestrike #biology #amazing #nature #science #research #highspeed #slowmotion #słomo

A post shared by David Penning PhD (@thepenninglab) on Oct 19, 2017 at 8:26pm PDT

Lab Hardware and Software
        I actively look for ways to acquire new and more comprehensive equipment and software to further expand out analytical options:
Video Capture Systems
--(2x) Edgertronic SC1 high-speed cameras
        --(700 fps at 1280 x 720 to 1,849 fps at 640 x 480)
--GoPro Hero 4 Black (240 fps at 1280 x 720)
--Olympus Tough TG-630
--Canon Rebel T5i

Video Analysis Systems
--TEMPLO video management software
--Vicon Motus 10 3-D video analysis software
--Tracker 4.97 video analysis and modelling

Force/Pressure Transducers
--Harvard Apparatus Pressure Transducer
--WPI Handheld Pressure Transducer
        --max load = 689 kPa
--Kistler Bite Force System
        --max load = 20 kN
--LabTrax 4-channel data acquisition system

Animal Husbandry Systems
--Freedom Breeder 1133 Snake Rack System
--ARS 1075 Hatchling Snake System
--ARS 7030 Small Boa/Python System
--ARS 7010 Small Boa/Python System
--ARS 8018 Medium Boa/Python System
--ExoTerra Glass Terraria (14 in total)
--Vision Cages( Model 215, 10 in total)
​--MistKing Humidity Control System


Statistics Software
--R Studio
--Past 3
--Minitab 14
Picture
Edgertronic SC1 high-speed cameras
Picture
Kistler charge amplifier, force load sensor, and custom bite force assembly

Today we saw rapid improvements in our design setup and captured this awesome scene at 1000 frames per second! This juvenile green tree python was more than happy to oblige us with a long-distance performance. You're watching it at 3% of the real speed. #biology #edgertronic #greentreepython #gtp #herpetology #herpetology #morelia #nature #research #science #snakeresearch #snake #snakes #snakesofinstagram #snakestrikes

A post shared by David Penning PhD (@thepenninglab) on Jun 15, 2017 at 7:44pm PDT

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