Dr. Tim Gaudin, UC Foundation Associate Professor, recently received
funding for the second year of a three-year research project entitled
The Early Evolution of the Pholidota and a Reexamination of the Monophyly
of the Cohort Edentata (Mammalia).   Dr. Gaudin received $42,771 this
year under the National Science Foundation's RUI (Research at Undergraduate
I institutions) program.  His research seeks to study and compare extinct
pangolin fossils with other closely related creatures.

In conducting his research, Dr. Gaudin will work with the National Museum of
History in Washington, D.C. to examine the placental mammals that are members
of the order of Pholidota (Old World pangolins or scaly anteaters) and order
Xenarthra (New World armadillos, anteaters and sloths).  Dr. Gaudin's study
is the
first to compare these Pholidota and Xenarthra members with members of the
Palaeanodonta (fossorial mammals) on the basis of morphological features of
cranial and postcranial skeletal characteristics.

Dr. Gaudin's research will enhance the understanding of the evolution of the
morphological and ecological specializations that characterize these animals,
as well as improve understanding of the role on edentate evolution in these
creatures.

Of significance is that fact that this is only the second RUI (Research at
Undergraduate Institutions) grant ever awarded to UTC.  Please join in
commending Dr. Gaudin for this important recognition of his work.




Diane Miller
Director
Office of Grants and Program Review/Dept 4905
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN  37403
TELEPHONE:  423-755-4431
FAX:  423-755-4052
EMAIL:  [log in to unmask]
WEBSITE:  http://www.utc.edu/Grants-and-Research/