Amy Lagorio, BS, MS, PhD

Amy Lagorio, PhD, is a pathology and anatomical science researcher and lecturer at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. Her research examines how anatomical form relates to biological function and evolution, particularly the vertebrate musculoskeletal system, and uses comparative anatomy, 3D imaging and computational biomechanical approaches to investigate how differences in morphology influence movement and performance across species.

Much of Dr. Lagorio’s work focuses on the cranial anatomy of reptiles, especially geckos. She combines microCT and contrast-enhanced DiceCT imaging with digital reconstruction and quantitative modeling to study how skeletal and soft-tissue structures vary with body size, evolutionary history and functional demands. Her research interests include cranial kinesis, muscle architecture and function, biomechanical scaling and the evolution of complex anatomical systems.

This comparative approach has direct relevance to the anatomical sciences by providing a broader evolutionary and functional framework for understanding musculoskeletal organization. Dr. Lagorio’s research also complements her work in medical anatomy education, where she aims to integrate imaging, three-dimensional visualization and functional perspectives into the study of human anatomy. More broadly, she is interested in developing approaches that connect anatomical research with effective teaching and help students understand anatomy as a dynamic, functionally integrated system rather than a collection of isolated structures.