Amanda Smith, PhD

She/Her/Hers

Areas of Expertise

• Biomechanics
• Orofacial Function
• Human Evolution
• Finite Element Analysis
• 3D Imaging

Biography

I am a broadly trained biological anthropologist and anatomist who specializes in feeding biomechanics. My research combines advanced medical imaging and reconstruction, 3D modeling and structural analysis. I am an expert in finite element analysis (FEA), an engineering technique used to examine how objects of complex design respond to loads and apply this technique to answer questions about anatomical form-function relationships. Much of my work has focused on evolutionary biomechanics but in the last few years, I have increasingly applied my expertise to address practical clinical problems such as diagnostic visualization of anatomical structures and planning of surgical procedures. Some of my recent and ongoing collaborative projects investigate the mechanics of alveolar cleft defects and repair, ontogenic changes in orofacial function, orbital fracture mechanics, lower limb mechanics and bony microstructure, pelvic shape and birthing stress and mandibular form-function relationships.

Memberships and Affiliations

• American Association for Anatomy
• American Association of Biological Anthropologists

Teaching Responsibilities

• FOM Anatomy