Dr Alana Sharp PhD

Personal Statement

I joined the University of Liverpool as a Lecturer in human anatomy in September 2018.

My research interests include the comparative anatomy and functional morphology of vertebrates to understand the relationships between form, function and evolution of the musculoskeletal system. Specifically, I apply biomechanical methods such as finite element analysis to investigate craniofacial biomechanics, feeding and the function of the jaw muscles and TMJ, the function of cranial sutures and craniosynostosis, and craniofacial growth.

I completed a BSc, followed by a PhD in 2014 at Monash University, Australia, on the cranial morphology and biomechanics of herbivorous marsupials. I used methods such as computed tomography (CT) based 3D biomechanical modelling, finite element analysis and virtual reconstruction to analyse the biomechanical function of the skull and cranial sinuses. I started a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of New England, Australia, in 2015 where I also lectured in human anatomy, and then moved to London in 2017 to work as a research associate at University College London on a BBSRC project with Prof. Susan Evans on the role of soft tissues in cranial biomechanics.