About Me

Welcome! I am Christopher Zobek, and I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Dr. Casey Holliday's lab at the University of Missouri Columbia. My current research focuses on the evolution and biomechanics of soft tissue anatomy, with a focus on the evolution and functional morphology of feeding behavior. Generally, my research interests include herpetology, soft tissue anatomy, feeding behavior, and evolutionary morphology.

​

For my Ph.D., I am investigating the evolution and biomechanics of the muscles powering the complex cranial kinesis and feeding behavior of snakes. For these investigations, I am using DiceCT (Diffusible Iodine Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography), which allows 3D quantification of muscle architecture that can be put in evolutionary and ecological context. With these data, I can answer questions about the functional morphology of the feeding apparatus, biomechanics of cranial kinesis, and evolution of feeding behavior. My dissertation focuses on applying these methods to snakes, which have a highly complex system of muscles powering novel feeding behaviors.

​

My expected graduation date is May 2027, so please reach out if you are interested with working with me in the future!