RESEARCH
Felix Bowers
Hey gang! I’m Felix, a PhD student working on 3D computational modelling of the zebrafish jaw to determine morphological and functional changes throughout the life course. I collaborate between the Hammond lab and the Rayfield group in Earth Sciences, utilizing 3D Finite Element Modelling (FEM) and morphometric methods, traditionally validated in palaeontology, for developmental biology studies in zebrafish. Finite Element Modelling allows us to determine the functional optimality of structures by simplifying complex 3D structures like the zebrafish jaw into discrete elements that can measure strain and stress in response to theoretical mechanical loading. Morphometrics, typically used in evolutionary biology to determine phylogenomic positions of fossil species lacking genomic data, are applied in my research. I aim to use these, alongside FEM results, to assess the optimality of different jaw structures in zebrafish mutants throughout their life course. I also work closely with Richard Lane to build novel loss functions to test automated segmentation, with the hopes of having both research and clinical relevance.
Outside of my studies, I work as an exploration geological consultant. Here, I again utilize 3D machine learning approaches to predict the position, location, and likelihood of finding rare earth metals in mining efforts. Additionally, I am a keen sailor, coaching and serving as skipper and tactician on various racing yachts for university and school team racing..