Andrew A. Biewener
Charles P. Lyman Professor of Biology, Faculty Director of the Concord Field Station
(Not Accepting Graduate Students for 2024-2025)
Faculty Support: Andra Hollis and Lisa Litchfield
Our research focuses on the comparative biomechanics of mammalian and avian locomotion. We study the neuromuscular control of movement during walking and running, as well as during flight. Our studies are motivated by evolutionary and ecological perspectives, as well as seeking to inspire biorobotic approaches to movement. We also examine adaptive remodeling (phenotypic plasticity) and the design of musculoskeletal systems.
Recent Publications
Biewener, A. A., Bomphrey RN, Daley MA, Isjpeert AJ. 2022. Stability and manoeuvrability in animal movement: lessons from biology, modelling, and robotics. Proceedings of the Royal Society, B. 289 (1967): 1-5.
Biewener, A.A. 2022. Physiology – Woodpecker skulls are not shock absorbers. Current Biology. 32 (14) :R767-R769.
Lai A, Dick TJM, Brown NAT, Biewener AA, Wakeling JM. 2021. Lower-limb muscle function is influenced by changing mechanical demands in cycling. Journal of Experimental Biology. 224 (3).
Lai A, Dick TJM, Biewener AA, Wakeling JM. 2021. Task-dependent recruitment across ankle extensor muscles and between mechanical demands is driven by the metabolic cost of muscle contraction. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 18 (174).
Biewener AA, Wakeling JM, Konow N. 2021. Modeling muscle function using experimentally determined subject-specific muscle properties. Journal of Biomechanics. 117 (110242).
Tijs C, Konow N, Biewener AA. 2021. Effect of muscle stimulation intensity on the heterogeneous function of compartments within an architecturally complex muscle. Journal of Applied Physiology. 130 (4) :941-951.
Taylor-Burt KR, Biewener AA. 2020. Aquatic and terrestrial takeoffs require different hindlimb kinematics and muscle function in mallard ducks. Journal of Experimental Biology. 223 (16).
Courses Taught
OEB 173: Comparative Biomechanics
OEB 307: Biomechanics, Physiology and Musculoskeletal Biology
Contact Information
100 Old Causeway Road
Bedford, MA 01730