I represent and would work to expand a growing subsector of AAA’s membership, which is comparative organismal functional anatomy and vertebrate paleontology, as well as innovative imaging and 3D visualization approaches. Like many in that subsector, I’ve also taught the medical anatomical sciences for decades and endorse AAA’s history of balancing educational and research programs, although integrating these components more effectively has to be a goal. Outreach provides a mechanism to bridge the education and research communities within AAA, as well as to have an impact in society via public engagement and even in the policy arena via scientific advocacy.
Current Position/Institution
Professor of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens (1995–present; Full professor since 2005)
Chang Ying-Chien Professor of Paleontology (2007–present)
Ph.D. Institution
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (1992: Cell Biology & Anatomy)
Earlier Positions
Assistant Professor, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury (1992–1995)
Teaching
Medical Gross Anatomy (1992–present); Course director NYIT-COM (1993–1995); Course director OU-HCOM problem-based curriculum (1995–2005); Course director OU-HCOM Clinical Anatomy Immersion (2006–present)
AAA Committees/Roles
Scientific Affairs Committee 2011–2014; AAA-EB Plenary Speaker 2013; Organizer, Guest Society Symposium for the International Society of Vertebrate Morphologists at the American Association of Anatomists meeting at the Experimental Biology conference, 2015; AAA representative for FASEB Hill Day 2016
Other Professional Activities
Director, Anatomical Resources, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: 2009–present; Director, Ohio University MicroCT Scanning facility (OUµCT): 2006–present; International Society of Vertebrate Morphology: President-Elect 2007–2010; President 2010–2013; Past-President 2013–2016; Chair, ICVM Scientific Program Committee 2013–2016; Society of Vertebrate Paleontology: Lanzendorf Prize Committee, Member 2002–2012, Chair 2004–2006, 2008–2010; Honorary Membership Committee Member (1994–2000) and Chair (1994–1998)
Awards
Ohio University Presidential Research Scholar (Biomedical & Life Sciences) 2004–2009; Top OHIO Faculty Newsmaker 2014–2016
Research Interests
Comparative functional anatomy, physiology, and evolution of the head structures of archosaurs in deep time, including dinosaurs and their extant relative (birds, crocodilians, and other reptiles); Evolution of mammalian nasal and paranasal comparative anatomy; Innovation in 3D imaging (e.g., contrast-enhanced µCT), 3D visualization, 3D modeling using engineering approaches (e.g., FEA, CFD), and 3D dissemination (e.g., in formal publication, web, social media); Outreach and public engagement to bring anatomy and evolution to a broad audience to promote STEM (and STEAM) literacy
Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP); International Society of Vertebrate Morphology (ISVM); Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB); Sigma Xi
Web Links
https://people.ohio.edu/witmerl/index.htm
http://www.ohio.edu/witmerlab
Current Position/Institution
Professor of Anatomy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens (1995–present; Full professor since 2005)
Chang Ying-Chien Professor of Paleontology (2007–present)
Ph.D. Institution
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore (1992: Cell Biology & Anatomy)
Earlier Positions
Assistant Professor, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury (1992–1995)
Teaching
Medical Gross Anatomy (1992–present); Course director NYIT-COM (1993–1995); Course director OU-HCOM problem-based curriculum (1995–2005); Course director OU-HCOM Clinical Anatomy Immersion (2006–present)
AAA Committees/Roles
Scientific Affairs Committee 2011–2014; AAA-EB Plenary Speaker 2013; Organizer, Guest Society Symposium for the International Society of Vertebrate Morphologists at the American Association of Anatomists meeting at the Experimental Biology conference, 2015; AAA representative for FASEB Hill Day 2016
Other Professional Activities
Director, Anatomical Resources, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine: 2009–present; Director, Ohio University MicroCT Scanning facility (OUµCT): 2006–present; International Society of Vertebrate Morphology: President-Elect 2007–2010; President 2010–2013; Past-President 2013–2016; Chair, ICVM Scientific Program Committee 2013–2016; Society of Vertebrate Paleontology: Lanzendorf Prize Committee, Member 2002–2012, Chair 2004–2006, 2008–2010; Honorary Membership Committee Member (1994–2000) and Chair (1994–1998)
Awards
Ohio University Presidential Research Scholar (Biomedical & Life Sciences) 2004–2009; Top OHIO Faculty Newsmaker 2014–2016
Research Interests
Comparative functional anatomy, physiology, and evolution of the head structures of archosaurs in deep time, including dinosaurs and their extant relative (birds, crocodilians, and other reptiles); Evolution of mammalian nasal and paranasal comparative anatomy; Innovation in 3D imaging (e.g., contrast-enhanced µCT), 3D visualization, 3D modeling using engineering approaches (e.g., FEA, CFD), and 3D dissemination (e.g., in formal publication, web, social media); Outreach and public engagement to bring anatomy and evolution to a broad audience to promote STEM (and STEAM) literacy
Other Professional Memberships Currently Maintained
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS); Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP); International Society of Vertebrate Morphology (ISVM); Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB); Sigma Xi
Web Links
https://people.ohio.edu/witmerl/index.htm
http://www.ohio.edu/witmerlab
