Compared to the diversity of tooth shapes in mammals most people are familiar with (e.g. differences among carnivores, omnivores, insectivores, herbivores), fewer people look on a smaller level for microstructural differences that might reveal finer divisions in dietary specialization.

I use the technique of enamel microstructure analysis developed by John Rensberger and widely applied by Clara Stefen across carnivorans. Using relatively low magnification (25~35 times), I record the patterns of enamel banding as observed under a dissecting microscope on the teeth of different species at different tooth positions.

I am studying the evolution of microstructure in the hyena and canid lineages, in order to pinpoint structural transitions and link them to larger scale cranial modifications for bone-cracking diets.