- Biological Adhesive Systems
- Functional Morphology
- Biomechanics
- Biological Materials
- Animal Behavior
- Biomimicry and Bio-inspired Design
The Stark Lab uses an integrative approach to explore how environmental factors affect the performance, behavior, and morphology of biological organisms. Specifically, we integrate laboratory and field-based methods rooted in biology, with analytical and theoretical methods from physics, chemistry, and material science. Most of our work is focused on using geckos, ants, and sea urchins to explore questions about the functional morphology of adhesion. Additional areas of interest include biomechanics of locomotion and the functional properties of biological materials. With the help of collaborators, we also help to develop and refine bio-inspired designs, and biomimetic practices and education.
If you are interested in joining the lab, please contact Dr. Stark by email at alyssa.stark [at] villanova.edu.