Dr. Hart earned a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she developed a strong foundation in paleontology. She subsequently completed an M.S. in Geosciences with continued specialization in vertebrate paleontology and anatomy, followed by a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences. During her doctoral training, she taught a range of courses, including Clinical Anatomy, Gross Anatomy, Clinical Neuroanatomy, Paleohistology, and Misconceptions in Evolution.
Dr. Hart’s research focuses on bone growth and development in both extant and extinct tetrapods. Her work combines traditional histological thin-sectioning with advanced three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques, such as synchrotron and micro-CT scanning, to investigate vascular architecture and bone microstructure. Through this integrative approach, she explores how bone tissue reflects evolutionary history, ontogeny, reproductive physiology, biomechanics, and behavior, offering insights into the biology of long-extinct species.
Her recent projects include reconstructing 3D vascular networks in the reproductive tissues of juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, analyzing hindlimb biomechanics in theropod dinosaurs, and comparing the strengths and limitations of traditional histology versus 3D imaging in large mammals and dinosaurs.