John A. Nyakatura

John Nyakatura is a professor for Comparative Zoology​ at Humboldt University of Berlin. His research interest is in the functional morphology, biomechanics, and evolution of the tetrapod locomotor apparatus. So far, various aspects of salamanders, lizards, birds, sloths, and primates have been analyzed in studies that he has been involved in. His current research focus is the correlation between structural and functional aspects of the locomotor system and changes throughout the evolution of vertebrates, in collaboration with palaeontologists and engineers (bio-informed robotics).

In the Nyakatura lab, the team examines functional morphology from a visual studies perspective. Of particular interest is the historic and continued use of morphological images to create and disseminate knowledge. Another focus is on how abstractions of complex functional principles (e.g. movements inside of joints) are used in illustrations.