Paul M. Gignac Source Confirmed

OverviewAI-generated summary

Paul M. Gignac, an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, investigates evolutionary biology and comparative anatomy, with a particular focus on vertebrate cranial morphology and neuroanatomy. His research utilizes advanced imaging techniques, such as diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT), to reconstruct and analyze skeletal and soft tissue structures across diverse taxa. This work aims to elucidate the evolutionary pathways and developmental processes that shape animal form, from avian brains to the evolution of terrestriality in mudskippers.

Gignac's publications explore topics including the neuroanatomical basis of brain shape evolution in birds, the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary transitions of aquatic vertebrates, and the comparative ontogeny of cranial sutures in birds and ostriches. He has also detailed the cranial musculoskeletal anatomy of finches using diceCT and examined the functional implications of pigeon brain morphology for powered flight. His research group actively engages in collaborative projects, evidenced by shared publications with researchers from Arkansas State University and within the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, including Todd L. Green, Wayne J. Kuenzel, Parker J. Straight, and Claire E. Terhune.

With an h-index of 23 and over 2,300 citations across 87 publications, Gignac is recognized as a highly cited researcher. His work contributes to a broader understanding of evolutionary morphology, developmental biology, and the application of imaging technologies in biological research.

Metrics

• h-index: 23
• Publications: 87
• Citations: 2,398