Michael Coates

Professor, Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy

Professor by day, fish by night. Builds robo-sharks on the weekends.

While not disputing placements of taxa on trees, Professor Koates engages in arguments about the correct pronunciation of “scone.” Religiously makes pilgrimages across campus for a daily cuppa.

Top likes:

A good foggy day
Daily sandwiches + banana
A hearty and robust character matrix

Top dislikes:

Using “basal” as an adjective to describe taxa
Missed/delayed Metra trains
“Sharks represent the primitive condition”

Email: mcoates at uchicago dot edu

Ben Otoo

Captain Tetrapod, Grand Vizier

I work on early tetrapods, including their morphology (particularly in the postcranial skeleton), evolution, and ecology. My work focuses on the Carboniferous, including the recovery from the end-Devonian extinction at one end and the Carboniferous-Permian transition at the other. I’m co-advised by Ken Angielczyk at the Field Museum. Outside of that, I’m an enthusiastic afficionado of rhizodonts, and much less keen on cyclostomes. Down with braincases, up with femora!

Email: botoo at uchicago dot edu

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Stephanie Sang

Fish with legs, website manager

I am investigating macroevolutionary patterns of paired fin positioning in actinopterygians. I also study zebrafish paired fin development (co-advised by Robert Ho). In my spare time, I update this website and push the boundary of what ridiculous statements I can get away with.

Email: stephaniesang at uchicago dot edu

Click here for my personal website and more fish with legs!

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Abby Caron

Braincase whisperer

I am studying the evolution of Paleozoic ray-finned fishes. Particular topics of interest include braincase characteristics, jaw articulation systems, and patterns of macroevolutionary radiation. Slowly flooding the lab with 3D-printed models.

Email: amcaron at uchicago dot edu

Vishruth Venkat

Lamprey in disguise

Continuing the Coates’ lab tradition of integrating palaeontology with evolutionary developmental biology (and co-advised by Vicky Prince), I’m investigating the evolutionary morphology of vertebrate head and sensory systems, particularly the cranial lateral line. I also spend time thinking about the origin of novelties in general , as well as the history and philosophy of science and religion, while wondering how it is that people don’t appreciate agnathans more.

Email: vishruthv at uchicago dot edu

Elisabeth Incardona

Fish Assistant

I am an undergraduate research assistant majoring in Biological Sciences and helping with various tasks around the lab, including segmenting, X-ray digitizing, and keeping everyone in the loop on current Gen Z slang. Stay tuned for my specific research interests (more than just “evolutionary biology is cool”)! When I’m not in the lab, you might find me volunteering with Elementary Science Olympiad or studying for my next Russian exam.

Email: incardona at uchicago dot edu

Proavis wax model LDUCZ-X1180

The Ballerina

I am the overseas representative of the Coates Lab, serving as specimen-in-residence at UCL. In the 1990s, Mike rescued me from perishing in a dumpster and adopted me into his family. There I lived the best years of my life, living and laughing and loving. Tragically, I was deemed too fragile to make the journey to the United States in the early 2000s and was donated to the Grant Museum. I still can feel Mike’s tears dripping slowly onto my scaly, waxy head. Recently I have been refurbished and returned to my former glory. I hope my dazzling new look sparks feelings of sharp regret in Mike for the ultimate betrayal of leaving me behind.

Email: don’t @ me