Kenneth C. Welch Jr.
Keywords
Comparative vertebrate physiology; Metabolism; Energetics; Hovering flight; Muscle physiology
Research Interests
My research adopts a comparative and integrative approach to the study of exercise, metabolism and muscle function. Much of our work focuses on animals with unique or extreme metabolic and locomotor capabilities. Examination of these organisms, informed by ecological and evolutionary context, has the power to reveal what features of design and physiology enable their extreme energetic and physical performance as well as what the limits are to such performance.
Research interests include: energetics, fuel use, muscle physiology and function, and locomotor performance. I am particularly interested in the effects of abiotic stressors such as temperature, oxygen availability and air density (i.e. elevation) on the metabolism and performance of flying vertebrates.