My research deals with cell structure and function as it applies to a wide variety of physiological processes, particularly biomineralization. In my research on calcification I have studied shell formation in mollusks, spicule formation in sea urchins, tooth structure in fishes, and bone formation in chickens and rats. Most recently I have been examining carapace formation and calcification in crustaceans. The tools I use in my research include transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as light microscopy. I also manage the Microscopy Laboratory that in addition to transmission and scanning electron microscopes, contains bright field, phase contrast, Hoffman, epifluorescence and confocal light microscopes that are interfaced with digital image enhancement, analysis and storage capabilities. I also collaborate with faculty and students in other laboratories who wish to include a morphological or ultrastructural component in their research programs.

Dillaman, R.M. and R.D. Roer 1993. Bone blood flow and spaceflight osteopenia. In: Bone and Bone Marrow Circulation in Normal and Pathological Conditions. A. Schoutens, S.P.F. Hughes, J. Gardeniers and J. Arlet, eds. Plenum Press, New York. Pp. 185-194.

Marlowe, R.L., R.M. Dillaman and R.D. Roer. 1994. Lectin binding by the crustacean cuticle: The cuticle of Callinectes sapidus throughout the molt cycle, and the intermolt cuticle of Procambarus clarkii and Ocypode quadrata. Journal of Crustacean Biology 14: 231-246.

Sikes, C.S., A.P. Wheeler, A. Wierzbicki, A.S. Mount and R.M. Dillaman. 2000. Nucleation and growth of calcite on native versus pyrolyzed oyster shell folia. Biological Bulletin 198:50-66.

Koopman, H.N., D.A. Pabst, W.A. McLellan, R.M. Dillaman, and A.J. Read. (2002) Changes in blubber distribution and morphology associated with starvation in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena): Evidence for regional differences in blubber structure and function. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 75(5):498-512.

Williams, C.L., R.M. Dillaman, E.A. Elliot and D.M. Gay. (2003) Formation of the arthodial membrane in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Journal of Morphology 256(3):260-269.