Mr Erik Anthony Meilak MEng

Postgraduate research student

I studied at the University of Southampton, graduating with a first class master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering specialising in Mechatronics.

The subject of my third year dissertation was on avian biomechanics introducing me to the fascinating field of bioengineering. I have experience in mechanical and electronic design, image processing, and biomechanical modelling. Under the supervision of Markus Heller, Neil Gostling and Colin Palmer, I am using my engineering background to investigate the leaping capabilities of extant birds to shed light on the fiercely debated subject of the origin of avian flight. I am always eager to work with scientists of many disciplines, including engineers, biologists and palaeontologists as I believe that interdisciplinary collaborating research is the way forward.