Taylor Polvadore, PhD

Research

Dr. Polvadore’s research focuses on how the musculoskeletal system in humans and other primates develop, function, and adapt throughout life. She is particularly interested in both locomotor and feeding behaviors. 

Her research combines observational behavioral data and kinetics/kinematics with 3D geometric morphometrics, clinical and micro-CT scans, diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), and muscle architecture. Using these techniques, Dr. Polvadore explores the growth and development of anatomical structures, the impact of repeated behaviors on adult bone and muscle, and the effects of injury or disease on bone. 

Additionally, Dr. Polvadore pursues medical education research to find the best way to prepare pre-med students for medical school and to teach medical students how to become skilled physicians. 

Overall, Dr. Polvadore’s research investigates how anatomy relates to movement, growth, and health. If you’re interested in learning more about this type of research, please reach out to Dr. Polvadore.

 

Current Projects

• 2D masticatory muscle architecture in tufted and untufted capuchins across ontogeny
• 3D masticatory muscle architecture in tufted and untufted capuchins across ontogeny
• Deciduous dentition composition in tufted and untufted capuchins
• Spatial distribution of bone mineral density in the femur and humerus of Taï monkeys

 

Selected Publications

• Polvadore, T. A., Calhoun, G. V., & Daegling, D. J. (2024). Effects of chemical, radiational, and thermal
  treatment of bone tissue on material stiffness and anisotropy. American Journal of Biological Anthropology,
  186(1), e25038. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.25006
• Polvadore, T. A., Yoakum, C. B., Taylor, P. M., Holmes, M. A., Laird, M. F., Chalk‐Wilayto, J., Misue Kanno, C.,
  de Oliveira, J.A., & Terhune, C. E. (2024). Ontogenetic biomechanics of tufted (Sapajus) and untufted (Cebus)
  capuchin mandibles. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 185(2), e25006.
  https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.25006
• Laird, M. F., Polvadore, T. A., Hirschkorn, G. A., McKinney, J. C., Ross, C. F., Taylor, A. B., Terhune, C. E., &
  Iriarte‐Diaz, J. (2024). Tradeoffs between bite force and gape in Eulemur and Varecia. Journal of
  Morphology, 285(5), e21699. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21699
• Holmes, M. A., Terhune, C. E., Chalk‐Wilayto, J., Yoakum, C. B., Taylor, P., Ramirez, R., Solís, M.P., Polvadore,
  T.A., Ross, C.F., Taylor, A.B., Fogaca, M.D., & Laird, M. F. (2024). Ontogenetic changes in jaw leverage and
  skull shape In tufted and untufted capuchins. Journal of Morphology, 285(5), e21705.
  https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.21705
• Polvadore, T. A., McGraw, W. S., & Daegling, D. J. (2023). Limb and hip morphology of two African colobine
  monkeys and its relationship to the mechanics of leaping and bounding locomotion. American Journal of
  Biological Anthropology. http://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.24839
• Kane, E. E., Polvadore, T. A., Bele, F. O., Bitty, E. A., Kamy, E., Mehon, F. G., Daegling, D. J., & McGraw, W. S.
  (2022). Oral Processing of Three Guenon Species in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Biology, 11(12), 1850.
  https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11121850
• Geissler, E., Daegling, D. J., Polvadore, T. A., & McGraw, W. S. (2021). Seed choice differs by sex in sooty
  mangabeys (Cercocebus atys). Primates, 62(2), 361-367. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-020-00863-w

 

Teaching

At UNT Health, Dr. Polvadore teaches anatomy courses for Undergraduate students and gross anatomy courses for Medical students.

Courses Taught

• BMSC 3402: Human Anatomy (undergraduate students)
• BMSC 4302: Human Embryology (undergraduate students)
• MEDE 7811: Musculoskeletal and Skin Systems 1 (medical students)
• MEDE 7812: Nervous System 1 (medical students)
• MEDE 7615: Cardiopulmonary System 1 (medical students)
• MEDE 7611: Gastrointestinal & Renal Systems 1 (medical students)
• MEDE 7715: Reproductive & Endocrine Systems 1 (medical students)