Thometz Lab

Dr. Thometz is a broadly trained physiological ecologist who specializes in marine mammal physiology, ecology, & behavior. A longstanding area of interest includes the ontogeny of energy demands, development of diving capacities, reproductive energetics, and foraging behavior of sea otters. Currently, her main research focus concerns the unique physiology, diving capacities, and behavioral flexibility of Arctic phocids, specifically: ringed, bearded, and spotted seals. In addition, she has studied the foraging behavior and diving physiology of Weddell seals in the Antarctic, the metabolic demands and diving capacities of Hawaiian monk seals, and the comparative physiology of sound production muscles in a variety of odontocete species.