Ryan M. Bebej, Ph.D.       University of Michigan       Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology       Museum of Paleontology

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Contact information

      1529 Ruthven Museum
      1109 Geddes Ave
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079
      rmbebej@umich.edu

Education and Professional Positions

2011-present	Olivet Nazarene University (Bourbonnais, IL), Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
2005-2011	University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI), Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB)
2001-2005	Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI), B.S., Biology (with honors)

Research Interests

      Evolution of cetaceans
      Aquatic locomotion and evolution of swimming mode
      Evolutionary transitions between aquatic and terrestrial environments
      Evolution and paleontology of mammals
      Comparative anatomy and functional morphology

Honors, Awards, and Grants

2011	Ermine Cowles Case Student Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Attainment in Research (awarded by the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology; $200 honorarium)
2009	EEB Research Allowance ($100 for research expenses)
2009	EEB Travel Grant ($100 for travel to 2009 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2009	Rackham Travel Grant ($850 for travel to 2009 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2009	Peter Olaus Okkelberg Award (awarded by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology; $600 for research expenses)
2009	Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award ($1000 award)
2008	EEB Travel Grant ($100 for travel to 2008 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2008	Rackham Travel Grant ($600 for travel to 2008 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2007-2010	Center for Faith and Scholarship Graduate Fellow ($500 annual stipend)
2007	EEB Research Allowance ($100 for research expenses)
2007	EEB Travel Grant ($100 for travel to 2007 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2007	Rackham Travel Grant ($500 for travel to 2007 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2007	Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Student Member Travel Grant ($300 for travel to 2007 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting)
2006	EEB Block Grant ($650 for research expenses)
2006	American Scientific Affiliation Student Scholarship ($100 for registration for 2006 American Scientific Affiliation annual meeting)
2006	EEB Research Allowance ($100 for research expenses)
2006-2011	Au Sable Graduate Fellow ($200 annually for books)
2005	Bernard J. Ten Broek Excellence in Biological Research Award (awarded by Calvin College Biology Department)
2003-2005	John and Lillian Van Oosten Science Scholarship (2-time recipient; awarded by Calvin College Science Division)
2001-2005	Calvin College Presidential Scholarship (4-time recipient)
2001-2005	Ronald Lee Sterner Scholarship (4-time recipient; awarded by Covenant Children's Home)
2001-2005	Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship (4-year scholarship; awarded by the Elks National Foundation)
2001-2005	Princeton Memorial Scholarship (4-time recipient; awarded by Princeton High School, Princeton, IL)

Teaching Experience

Spring 2011	Temporary postdoctoral instructor, Biology 173: Introductory Biology Laboratory, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Winter 2009	Graduate student instructor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 451: Biology of Mammals, Dr. Philip Myers (University of Michigan)
Fall 2008	Graduate student instructor, Biology 252: Chordate Anatomy and Phylogeny, Dr. Ronald Nussbaum (University of Michigan)
Spring 2008	Graduate student instructor, Biology 173: Introductory Biology Laboratory, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Winter 2008	Graduate student instructor, Biology 173: Introductory Biology Laboratory, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Fall 2007	Graduate student instructor, Biology 252: Chordate Anatomy and Phylogeny, Dr. William Fink (University of Michigan)
Winter 2007	Graduate student instructor, Biology 162: Introductory Biology, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Winter 2006	Graduate student instructor, Biology 162: Introductory Biology, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Fall 2005	Graduate student instructor, Biology 162: Introductory Biology, Dr. Marcus Ammerlaan (University of Michigan)
Spring 2005	Laboratory assistant, Biology 323: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Dr. Peter Tigchelaar (Calvin College)
Fall 2004	Laboratory assistant, Biology 205: Human Anatomy, Dr. Peter Tigchelaar (Calvin College)
Spring 2004	Laboratory assistant, Biology 323: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Dr. Peter Tigchelaar (Calvin College)
Fall 2003	Laboratory assistant, Biology 205: Human Anatomy, Dr. Adriana Ribeiro (Calvin College)

Other Work and Research Experience

2009-2011	Museum assistant, University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology, under the supervision of Dr. Philip Gingerich
2009	Field assistant on University of Michigan-Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency expedition in Wadi Al-Hitan, Egypt, under the supervision of Dr. Philip Gingerich and Dr. Iyad Zalmout (November 2, 2009-December 8, 2009)
2005-2011	Graduate student research under the advising of Dr. Philip Gingerich on the evolution of Eocene archaeocete cetaceans
2004-2005	Independent research with Dr. Ralph Stearley documenting and investigating potential causes of vertebral asymmetry in the Ada Bible Church mastodon
2004	Research assistant for Dr. David Warners and Dr. Randall Van Dragt in conducting a botanical inventory of Vergennes Township (Kent County, Michigan)

Publications

2011	Wood, A.R., R.M. Bebej, C.L. Manz, D.L. Begun, and P.D. Gingerich. Postcranial functional morphology of Hyracotherium (Equidae, Perissodactyla) and locomotion in the earliest horses. Journal of Mammalian Evolution 18: 1-32. Link
2009	Bebej, R.M. Swimming mode inferred from skeletal proportions in the fossil pinnipeds Enaliarctos and Allodesmus (Mammalia, Carnivora). Journal of Mammalian Evolution 16: 77-97. Link
2005	Van Dragt, R.G., D.P. Warners, R.M. Bebej, and J. Timmer. Natural areas inventory of Vergennes Township (Kent County, Michigan). Technical Report to the Open Space Citizens Committee, Vergennes Township, Kent County: 1-178.

Conference Presentations (*Presentation, **Poster)

2009	Bebej, R.M. Possible sexual dimorphism in Remingtonocetidae (Mammalia, Cetacea, Archaeoceti) from the Domanda Formation of Pakistan. 69th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and 57th Symposium of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK (September 26, 2009).** Published abstract: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, SVP Program and Abstracts Book: 60A. PDF
2009	Manz, C.L., R.M. Bebej, and P.D. Gingerich. Multivariate analysis and morphological description of the cervical column of Maiacetus inuus: implications for head and neck movement in a protocetid cetacean from Pakistan. 69th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and 57th Symposium of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK (September 26, 2009).** Published abstract: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, SVP Program and Abstracts Book: 142A. PDF
2008	Bebej, R.M. Lumbar spine of Remingtonocetus (Mammalia, Cetacea, Archaeoceti) and implications for aquatic locomotion. 68th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (October 18, 2008).** Published abstract: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 28(3 supp.): 49A. PDF
2008	Wood, A.R., R.M. Bebej, C.L. Manz, and P.D. Gingerich. New insights into the locomotory capabilities of the early Eocene equid Hyracotherium. 68th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (October 18, 2008).* Published abstract: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 27(3 supp.): 162A. PDF
2008	Bebej, R.M. Inferring swimming mode from skeletal proportions in early pinnipeds (Mammalia, Carnivora). Early Career Scientists Symposium, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (March 15, 2008).**
2007	Bebej, R.M., M. Ul-Haq, I.S. Zalmout, and P.D. Gingerich. Functional interpretation of the neck in Eocene Remingtonocetus from Pakistan (Mammalia, Cetacea, Archaeoceti). 67th Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Texas, Austin, TX (October 20, 2007).* Published abstract: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 27(3 supp.): 45A. PDF
2005	Bebej, R.M., R.F. Stearley. Deformation in the spine of the Ada Bible Church mastodon. Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters Annual Meetings, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI (March 4, 2005).* Published abstract: Michigan Academician 36(4): 62. PDF

Invited Presentations

2011	Functional Morphology of the Vertebral Column in Remingtonocetus (Mammalia, Cetacea) and the Evolution of Aquatic Locomotion in Early Archaeocetes. Ph.D. defense (April 21, 2011).
2010	An evolutionary case study: The origin of whales. Guest lecture presented to the Biology I class at Olivet Nazarene University (December 8, 2010).
2010	The origin of whales: The most peculiar and aberrant of mammals. Guest lecture presented to the Introduction to Animal Diversity class at the University of Michigan (November 10, 2010).
2010	Getting started: GSIs teaching undergraduates. Presented at the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching Graduate Student Instructor Teaching Orientation (August 30, 2010).
2010	Mobility vs. stability: A multivariate analysis of lumbar proportions. Presented in the University of Michigan Paleontology Seminar (February 26, 2010).
2009	Getting started: GSIs teaching undergraduates. Presented at the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching Graduate Student Instructor Teaching Orientation (August 31, 2009).
2009	Evolution of swimming mode in seals and sea lions. Presented in the Calvin College Biology Departmental Seminar (May 8, 2009).
2009	Order Cetacea. Guest lecture presented to the Biology of Mammals class at the University of Michigan (February 19, 2009).
2008	The origin and early evolution of cetaceans. Presented to a visiting Paleontology class from Calvin College at the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology (April 19, 2008).
2008	Swimming with seals and sea lions: Locomotor evolution in pinnipeds based on revised interpretations of fossil taxa. Presented in the University of Michigan Paleontology Seminar (April 4, 2008).
2008	The fossil record of early whales and their adaptation to life in water. Presented in a meeting of ScATs, a science and theology discussion group in Ann Arbor, MI (February 21, 2008).
2008	Evidence for evolution: The origin of whales. Presented to an adult education class at Ann Arbor CRC (February 10, 2008).
2008	The origin and evolution of cetaceans. Presented to a visiting Evolutionary Biology class from Calvin College at the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology (January 18, 2008).
2008	Extinctions and endangered species. Guest lecture presented to the Environmental Ethics class at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, Mancelona, MI (January 15, 2008).
2008	Speciation and extinction patterns. Guest lecture presented to the Environmental Ethics class at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, Mancelona, MI (January 14, 2008).
2007	Taking a dip in the Tethys: The evolution of swimming in Eocene Cetacea. Presented in the University of Michigan Paleontology Seminar (March 23, 2007).
2006	Post-cranial remains of the Remingtonocetidae (Mammalia, Cetacea) and their implications for the early evolution of whales. Presented in the University of Michigan EEB Lunch Seminar (November 7, 2006).
2006	A review of the middle Eocene Family Remingtonocetidae (Mammalia, Cetacea). Presented in the University of Michigan Paleontology Seminar (April 14, 2006).
2005	Spinal asymmetry in the Ada Bible Church mastodon. Presented in the Calvin College Geography, Geology, and Environmental Sciences Departmental Seminar.
2004	Botanical inventory of Vergennes Township. Presented with J. Timmer in the Calvin College Biology Departmental Seminar.

Web Articles

	Bebej, R.M. 2009. My journey from opposing evolution to studying it. An Evangelical Dialogue on Evolution. Link
	Bebej, R.M., and P. Myers. 2006. Inia geoffrensis. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Animal Diversity Web. Link

Professional Affiliations

2008-present	Society for Study of Mammalian Evolution
2006-present	Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
2006-present	American Scientific Affiliation

Service and Community Outreach Activities

2010	Member of EEB evolutionary biology planning committee (University of Michigan)
2010	Member of Rackham Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award selection committee (University of Michigan)
2009	Tour guide for behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum of Paleontology (University of Michigan)
2009-2011	Practice teaching facilitator at the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching Graduate Student Instructor Teaching Orientation (University of Michigan) - 3 semesters
2009	Table host for Science Café discussion on religion and science (University of Michigan)
2008-2010	Member of the EEB curriculum committee (University of Michigan)
2008-2011	'Big sib' to first year EEB graduate students (University of Michigan)
2008	Hosted visiting undergraduate student that was seeking experience in fossil preparation techniques at the Museum of Paleontology (University of Michigan)
2008	Ruthven Museum tour guide for a visiting undergraduate Paleontology class (University of Michigan)
2008	Led a discussion on evolution for a science/theology discussion group (Ann Arbor, MI)
2008	Led a discussion on evolution for an adult education class at Ann Arbor CRC (Ann Arbor, MI)
2008	Organizer of graduate student lunch with annual Case Lecture speaker (University of Michigan)
2008	Ruthven Museum tour guide for a visiting undergraduate Evolutionary Biology class (University of Michigan)
2007-2009	Senior GSI observer that evaluated and provided feedback to first-time instructors (University of Michigan) - 6 semesters
2007	Judge for Scarlett Middle School science fair (Ann Arbor, MI)
2006	Ruthven Museum tour guide for a visiting undergraduate Paleontology class (University of Michigan)
2005-2007	Provided evaluations of biology professors up for tenure or promotion (Calvin College)
2004	Member of student committee that interviewed potential faculty hires (Calvin College)
2004	Member of student panel that answered questions from faculty regarding curriculum changes (Calvin College)

Skills and Proficiencies

	Experience constructing, modifying, and animating 3D models of mammalian skeletal elements using Creaform Handyscan and NextEngine Desktop 3D scanners, Geomagic Studio, 3D Studio Max, Visual-Safe MAD, and Amira (when working with CT-scan data)
	Experience with mechanical preparation, molding, and casting of mammalian fossil remains in the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology Fossil Preparation Laboratory (Ann Arbor, MI)
	Extensive research utilizing modern and fossil mammalian skeletal remains in the collections of the University of Michigan Museums of Zoology and Paleontology (Ann Arbor, MI), American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY), and National Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC)
	Proficient with many software packages, including Microsoft Office, Endnote, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and SPSS statistical software