NU Professor Involved in Headline-Making Research
Northwest University professor Dr. Jonathan Dyhr recently took part in a collaborative study between the University of Washington and Georgia Institute of Technology, analyzing the behavior of moths. His research has been featured in several mainstream publications, including The New York Times and BBC.com.
Dyhr and his team constructed robotic, 3D-printed flowers filled with nectar to track the hawkmoth’s ability to feed in varying light conditions. His study found the moths capable of slowing down certain brain functions in order to improve their vision in dim light. Even with less acute mental processing, the hawkmoths were proficient in tracking the flowers. This trait demonstrates a fascinating way in which an organism can modify its brain functions to gather food. Research from this study will be used as a foundation for more experiments to come, some of which may lead to advancements in robotics and flight.
Professor Dyhr began teaching at Northwest University in the fall of 2014. With an exceptional record in academics, he received a B.A. in physics and neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Arizona. Dyhr went on to conduct postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona and the University of Washington. His research focuses on understanding the behavior and brain functions of organisms. In addition to his most recent study, Dyhr has published work on biological cybernetics, comparative biology, and a number of other topics.
Though this is only his second year at Northwest University, Professor Jonathan Dyhr has already made an impact. His passion for biology and remarkable positivity has and will continue to inspire those around him.
For more information on Dyhr’s research, you can visit the links below.