Bradley M. Wood, Ph.D. Candidate

Photo of Bradley WoodEducation

M.A. Philosophy, 2013 Louisiana State University
B.A. Philosophy, 2011  Louisiana State University
B.S. Biology, 2011 Louisiana State University

Research Interests

I have participated in diverse research projects (e.g., particle physics, comparative anatomy, physical chemistry, 3D imaging, veterinary anatomy, and philosophy of science and biology), which are united by my long-standing interest in understanding and explaining the underlying causes of the evolution of complex biological systems. My current research in biology focuses on the myomeric-myoseptal intersections in the trunk musculature of lampreys. The structure and function of the axial musculature in lampreys is poorly understood, limiting a proper explanation of the biomechanics of lamprey locomotion.  A comprehensive understanding of the trunk musculature in lampreys is fundamental for a better understanding of the branchial musculature as a basis for an analysis of early vertebrate evolution, especially of the origin of jaws and the origin and evolution of the pectoral and pelvic limb girdles. This research will lead to interesting comparisons with early fish representatives, such as chondrichthyans, bowfins, gars, and paddlefish.

My current morphological research (microdissection, histology, SEM, x-ray CT scanning, 3D image analysis, and free-body force diagram analysis) is complemented with annual field observations of lamprey locomotion in the Fort and Sawmill Rivers of Massachusetts. The various data will be synthesized to create an explanatory biomechanical model to address evolutionary questions regarding early vertebrate locomotion.

Because modeling is a multifaceted method, I completed an M.A. in the philosophy of science analyzing how modeling in biological morphology can be incorporated into a version of scientific realism (philosophical view in favor of interpreting accepted theoretical and observable scientific claims as being approximately true) developed by the philosopher Richard Boyd. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in biology with a focus on evolutionary and functional morphology with the ultimate goal of a lifetime pursuing my research in science and philosophy, while educating students, future scientists and scientifically interested citizens.

Research Experience

Lamprey Functional and Evolutionary Morphology

Advisor: Dr. Dominique G. Homberger, Department of Biological Sciences, LSU

For my Ph.D. research, I am investigating the structure and biomechanics of the skeletomuscular system in Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) as well as the internal morphological mechanisms enabling their natural behaviors, such as those involved in swimming, nest building, and spawning. To this end, I have utilized a variety of approaches, including microdissection, 3D imaging, histology, and field observations of Sea Lampreys building nests and spawning in their natural environment.

Lamprey Histology

Advisors: Dr. Michael Gudo, Morphisto GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany; Dr. Dominique G. Homberger, Department of Biological Sciences, LSU

Histological research on the skeletomuscular system of lampreys performed at Morphisto GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany and funded by Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research Award ($1,000). Summer 2017.

Lamprey Fieldwork

Advisor: Dr. Boyd E. Kynard, University if Massachusetts-Amherst and BK Riverfish LLC

Field work observing and video documenting the behavior and locomotion of spawning sea lampreys in the Fort River, Amherst, MA. Summers 2012, 2014-16.

Philosophy Research

Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Roland, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, LSU

For my Master’s research in philosophy, I analyzed the role scientific modeling plays in scientific explanations and how models help scientists interpret empirical data and better define theoretical concepts. This work incorporated issues in the philosophy of science, the philosophy of biology, epistemology, the philosophy of language, and metaphysics.

Biomedical Research in Veterinary Sciences

Advisor: Dr. Hermann H. Bragulla, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

3D reconstruction of equine paranasal sinuses for insights into developmental significance and age correlated changes in clinically significant structures.

3D Imaging with Neutron Tomography

Advisor: Dr. Les Butler, Department of Chemistry, LSU

3D visualization data analysis of hydrogen storage in LaNi5 and lithium batteries using principally Avizo.

3D visualization data analysis of hydrogen storage in LaNi5 principally via Mathematica and Avizo as part of the NSF REU program for the Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA).

Particle Physics and Neutron Radiation

Neutron Pulse Discrimination in Long Liquid Scintillator Counters. Advisor: Dr. Jeff Blackmon, Department of Physics and Astronomy, LSU

Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (ACES): High Altitude Neutron Detection (NeD) Experiment. Advisors: Dr. Greg Guzik and Dr. John Wefel, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Published Abstracts and Articles

For a copy, please copy and paste the desired item and send a request to Bradley M. Wood bwood6@lsu.edu

Wood, B.M., Gudo, M. & Homberger, D.G. 2018. Histology and 3D Modeling of the Connective Tissue Skeleton in the Trunk of a Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). FASEB J., 32 (April; Suppl.): TBA

Wood, B.M., Kynard, B.E. & Homberger, D.G. 2016. Modeling the skeletomuscular system in Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus): An integrative approach from microdissection, 3D imaging, and field observations. Anatomical Record 299 (Special Feature: ICVM11-2016 Program and Abstracts): 41, 261.

Wood, B.M., B.E. Kynard, & D.G. Homberger 2015. A dorsal longitudinal ligament in Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus): A novel structure involved in trunk movements. FASEB J., 29 (April, Suppl.):  867.11.

Wood, B.M., K. Ham, D.S. Hussey, D.L. Jacobson, A. Faridani, A. Kaestner, J.J. Vajo, P. Liu, T.A. Dobbins, L.G. Butler. 2014. Real-time observation of hydrogen absorption by LaNi5 with quasi-dynamic neutron tomography. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms 324:95-101.

Bragulla, H.H., Homberger, D.G. & Wood, B.M. 2012. The postnatal development of the paranasal sinuses in the horse. FASEB J., 26 (March 29): 907.12

Wood, B.M., Andermann, R.J. & Homberger, D.G. 2012. The myomere-myoseptal intersections in a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and a shark (Squalus acanthias). FASEB J., 26 (March 29): 730.5.

Wood, B.M., Andermann, R.J. & Homberger, D.G. 2012. The morphology of the myomere-myoseptal intersections in a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and a shark (Squalus acanthias).  Poster abstract P3.180 in Integr. Comp. Biol. 52 (suppl 1): e202-e356. doi: 10.1093/icb/ics079.

Wood, B.M., J. Blackmon, S. Dixit, L. Linhardt, E. Zqanjar. 2008. Neutron Pulse Discrimination. American Physical Society (Division of Nuclear Physics), http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.DNP.DA.112

Theses

Wood, B.M. 2013. Scientific Modeling & Scientific Realism: A View from Morphological Modeling. Master’s Thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Advisor: Dr. Jeffrey Roland

Wood, B.M. 2011. Modeling a Model Organism: The Lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. Honors Thesis. Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Co-advised: Dr. Dominique G. Homberger, Dr. Jeffrey Roland

Research Presentations

Wood, B.M., M. Gudo, & D.G. Homberger 2018. Histology and 3D modeling of the connective tissue skeleton in the trunk of a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists (AAA), San Diego, CA, April 21-25.

Wood, B.M., G. Jia, O. Carmichael, K. McKlveen, D.G. Homberger 2017. 3D Imaging using MRI of a non-mineralized complex organism: The jawless Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as a model. Poster, annual meeting, American Association of Anatomists (AAA), Chicago, IL, April 2017.

Wood, B.M., B.E. Kynard, & D.G. Homberger 2016. Modeling the skeletomuscular system in Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus): An integrative approach from microdissection, 3D imaging, and field observations. Poster, International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology (ICVM), Washington DC, July 2016.

Wood, B.M., B.E. Kynard, & D.G. Homberger 2015. A dorsal longitudinal ligament in Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus): A novel structure involved in trunk movements. Poster, annual meeting, American Association of Anatomists (AAA), Boston, MA, March 2015.

Wood, B.M., R.J. Andermann, & D.G. Homberger 2013. The myomere-myoseptal intersections in a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and a shark (Squalus acanthias). Poster, annual meeting, LSU Biograds Symposium.

Wood, B.M., R.J. Andermann, & D.G. Homberger 2012. The myomere-myoseptal intersections in a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and a shark (Squalus acanthias). Poster, annual meeting, American Association of Anatomists (AAA), San Diego, CA, April 2012.

Wood, B.M., R.J. Andermann, & D.G. Homberger 2012. The morphology of the myomere-myoseptal intersections in a lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and a shark (Squalus acanthias). Poster, annual meeting, Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB), Charleston, SC, January 2012.

Wood, B.M. & L.G. Butler 2011. 4D Tracking of Hydrogen Absorption in LaNi5. Poster, REU Poster, Louisiana Alliance for Simulation Guided Materials Applications, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, July 2011.

Wood, B.M., J. Blackmon, S. Dixit, L. Linhardt, E. Zqanjar. 2008. Neutron Pulse Discrimination. Poster, annual meeting, American Physical Society (Division of Nuclear Physics), Oakland, CA: October 2008.

Chimmalgi, R., R. Giglio, S. Meyers, and B.M. Wood. 2008. Results of High Altitude Neutron Detection Experiment (NeD) for Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students (ACES). Oral Presentation. NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, TX: May 2008.

Teaching Experience

  • BIOL 1208: Biology Lab for Science Majors I (Fall 2016
  • BIOL 1209: Biology Lab for Science Majors II (Spring 2016)
  • BIOL 2153: Principles of Genetics Lab (Fall 2015)
  • BIOL 4161: Vertebrate Physiology Lab (Spring 2015; 2018)
  • BIOL 1503: Honors Biology Lab (Spring 2014)
  • BIOL 3152: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy Lab (Fall 2013-17)
  • PHIL 1000: Introduction to Philosophy (Spring 2013)
  • PHIL 2035: History of Modern Philosophy (Spring 2013)
  • PHIL 2018: Professional Ethics (Fall 2012)
  • PHIL 2020: Ethics (Fall 2012)
  • PHIL 2786: Logic, Science, and Society (Fall 2011).