Dr. Rowe's primary research focuses on the evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton. In this work, Dr. Rowe uses phylogenetic systematics to study the evolution of skeletal form as well as the evolution of skeletal development in the ontogeny of living species. This work is directed mostly at the early history of mammals and their extinct relatives among Synapsida, and on the history of birds and their extinct relatives among Dinosauria, and on other amniotes. An important tool for this research is high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, which has become a secondary research focus. This breakthrough technology permits the non-destructive inspection of internal structure in even the smallest and most delicate of vertebrate specimens. In collaborative research with scientist from many countries, Dr. Rowe is scanning and studying the anatomy ofsome of the world's most significant fossils. An interest in publishing these exquisite digital datasets has also carried him into the realm of informatics. Tim maintains an active program in field paleontology that explores Mesozoic terrestrial sediments of Texas and the American Southwest.
Vertebrate paleontology, evolution and development of the vertebrate skeleton, phylogenetic systematics, the early history of mammals and their extinct relatives among Synapsida, the history of birds and their extinct relatives among Dinosauria, the history of other amniotes, high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, CT scanner, DigiMorph, informatics
Member,
Phylocode Working Committee, Society of Systematic Biologists (1998 - 1999)
Member,
Publications Committee, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (1995)
Chair,
Estes memorial Prize Committee, to be entered (1995 - 1998)
Member,
Information Technologies Committee, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (1993)
Member,
Information Advisory Committee to the bibliography of fossil Vertebrates, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (1991 - 1998)
Member,
Host Committee, 49th Annual Meeting, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (1989)
World's 50 Best Websites, for www. DigiMorph.org
- Scientific American (2004)
3rd place, for The Dino Pit Exhibit at the Austin Nature & Science Center , under the Wayside Exhibit Category.
- National Association for Interpretation Media Competition (2004)
Gold Award, for DigiMorph.Org.
- UT Innovative use of Instructional Technology (2003)
Founding Fellow
- UT Center for Instructional Technologies (1997 - 1998)
Honorary Member
- Golden Key Honors Society (1996)
Honorary Member
- Golden Key Honors Society (1996)
President's Associates Teaching Excellence Award
- University of Texas (1995)
George D. Louderback Award for Academic Excellence and Leadership in Departmental Programs
- Department of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley (1995)
President's Associates Teaching Excellence Award
- University of Texas at Austin (1995)
Knebel Teaching Award in Geological Sciences
- University of Texas (1993)
Knebel Teaching Award
- Geological Sciences (1993)
Knebel Teaching Fellowship in Geological Sciences
- University of Texas (1990)
Dad's Association Centennial Teaching Fellowship
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas (1990)
Knebel Teaching Fellowship
- Geological Sciences (1990)
Dad's Association Centennial Teaching Fellowship
- College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas (1990)
National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award
- University of Texas (1989 - 1994)
Presidential Young Investigator Award.
- National Science Foundation (1989 - 1994)
Peabody Fellowship
- Department of Paleontology, University of California, Berkeley. (1984 - 1985)
Regent's Fellowship
- University of California, Berkeley (1982 - 1983)
Print CaseBooks 5 Award of Excellence for "Fossils of New Mexico," a 2-year public exhibit
- Commissioned by the State of New Mexico, written by T. Rowe, produced by the Museum of Northern Arizona, designed by Ralph Applebaum Associates (1982)
Wheeler Fellowship
- University of California, Berkeley (1981 - 1982)
Field Museum of Natural History Fellowship
- University of Chicago (1976 - 1977)
Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
- to be entered (1975 - 1976)
Occidental College Scholarship
- Occidental College, Los Angeles (1973 - 1975)