Education

2000 Duke University, B.S.
2006 University of South Florida, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Biological Science
Environmental Science
Biological Diversity
Biological Unity
Ecosystems and Ecophysiology
Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
Senior Seminar

Career Specialties

Daniel Huber specializes in studying the biomechanics of feeding and locomotion in cartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans: sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras). Through the use of biomechanical modeling, force measurements, material science, CT scan reconstruction and FInite Element Analysis, he works on comparative analyses of the diverse feeding mechanisms found in these fishes to infer the mechanical influences involved in their function and evolution. Using these same techniques he also investigates the mechanical basis of spinal deformities in captive sharks in an effort to improve captive animal health and reduce dependence on wild populations for aquarium exhibits.

Huber and his colleagues are the first to have successfully measured voluntary bite force in free-swimming sharks, which provide a glimpse at the behavioral basis of evolutionary diversification in chondrichthyan feeding mechanisms. His research is conducted at The University of Tampa and University of South Florida.

Professional and Community Activities

Huber is a member of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology and American Elasmobranch Society. He has consulted on and appeared in numerous television shows and media productions about shark feeding biomechanics and behavior.