Dr. Petersen is a functional anatomist with teaching and research interests in human and comparative vertebrate anatomy, muscle physiology, and biomechanics.
Jarrod joined the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology as faculty in Summer 2024 after completing his PhD in the same department. His dissertation research in the Roberts Lab utilized non-model systems, including Boa constrictors, to provide unique insight on the integrative functions and plasticity of muscle, bone, elastic tissues, and skin, during various behaviors including frog jumping and large prey ingestion in snakes. Jarrod also served as a writing center associate and graduate teaching assistant during his time as a graduate student. Prior to this, Jarrod earned his B.S. in Biology at Westfield State University in Westfield, MA.
Jarrod currently serves as the course leader for Human Anatomy I & II for the Gateways to Medicine, Health Care and Research Master's program, and as a co-course leader of Human Anatomy I & II for first year medical students at Brown University and physician assistant students at Bryant University.
Jarrod also has an ongoing research collaboration with the Roberts Lab where he is interested in the role that dyanamic muscle shape changes play on force output and locomotion.
