Dr. Trond Sigurdsen

Biography

Trond Sigurdsen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). He teaches courses in general biology and human biology. Originally from Norway, he earned his PhD from McGill University in Canada. His primary research interests encompass phylogenetics and the evolutionary origins of major vertebrate taxa, with a focus on functional anatomy in animals. He has extensively studied the evolution of amphibians, birds, and mammals, collaborating with renowned mentors like the late Professor Robert Carroll. His research integrates traditional methods such as specimen drawings and anatomical descriptions with cutting-edge technologies, including parsimony-based Bayesian phylogenetic analyses and high-resolution x-ray computed tomography (CT). Currently, he works with Dr. Luis Chiappe at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, co-authoring studies on fossilized Chinese Enantiornithine birds. Additionally, he has developed a comprehensive database of wing bone measurements for both modern and extinct birds, shedding light on macroevolutionary patterns in avian skeletal anatomy. Sigurdsen's studies also delve into the relationships between mammals and non-mammalian synapsids, particularly regarding the early evolution of mammals from basal synapsid ancestors, aiming to reveal possible anatomical correlates of endothermic metabolism. He utilizes CT-scanning techniques to examine fossil forms and continue his research on therocephalian therapsids, contributing to esteemed publications in the field, including the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

Research Interests

Experience