Amanda Falk
Associate Professor of Biology
Pre-Veterinary Advisor
Chair of Biology Program
Offices & Programs
Education
BS (Honors) in Biology from Lake Superior State University
MS & PhD in Geology from the University of Kansas
BIOGRAPHY
Amanda Falk joined the Centre College faculty in 2015. She was named a Centre Scholar in 2021.
She graduated with a B. S. (Honors) in Biology from Lake Superior State University, performing a senior thesis on molecular and morphometric sexing of bald eagles and related species. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Kansas, studying avian paleontology and ichnology—trace fossils—as well as the anatomy and behavior of modern birds. During this time she began research in China and South Korea, supported by a U.S. Fulbright Grant from 2011-2012 that provided the opportunity to perform extensive research in China.
She has expertise in paleobiology, evolutionary biology, functional morphology, and fossil behavior. Her current research interests are studies of fossil avian anatomy, avian ichnology (the study of preserved behavior known as trace fossils—footprints, burrows, etc.), comparative studies of modern avian anatomy, studies of modern avian footprint production and trace making behavior, laser-stimulated fluorescence of fossils, and paleo biodiversity and mass extinction.
COURSES TAUGHT
Comparative Anatomy
Comparative Vertebrate Physiology
Paleontology