Dr. Benjamin Perlman, March 2026 Snapshot

Published March 19, 2026

Dr. Benjamin Perlman, a lecturer in the Biological Sciences Department, and his team of researchers in the STABB (Stingray and Butterfly Biomechanics) Lab study stingray behaviors and putting science to the "stingray shuffle."

student researchers setting up filming equipment
Students are setting up cameras in preparation for filming certain stingray behaviors, and other lab members are using the whiteboard to discuss how to best analyze certain parts of the stingray tail.
student researchers checking settings on equipment
Noah Bartels and Keira Spiller are checking the computer settings while Ruben Santos and Dylan Baldiviezo are setting up the high-speed cameras in the background.
Dr. Perlman adjusting camera
Dr. Benjamin Perlman is adjusting one of the cameras in preparation for filming the round stingray (in middle of tank).

Some projects include descriptions of how round stingrays bury themselves in the sand to hide from predators like sharks, and how different water temperatures might affect a stingray's ability to swim away when a person accidentally steps on them. STABB Lab use high-speed cameras, computer software, 3D printers, µCT scanners, and some engineering equipment to conduct their experiments.

Sol in the lab
Sol Vu is using Slicer software to analyze a microCT scan (3D x-ray image) of different characteristics of a round stingray barb.
Ruben in the lab
Ruben Santos is using MATLAB software to digitally analyze 3D videos of stingrays burying in the sand.
Keira in the lab
Keira Spiller is reviewing her 3D scan of a surf booty.
Dr. Perlman and lab members discussing datapoints
Discussion of digital datapoints of the round stingray barb.

Previously, STABB Lab studied how a stingray might use their tail to strike a person when a stingray is stepped on using different sizes of fake feet to simulate humans of different sizes stepping on a ray, as well as exploring how a stingray might respond when it is being stepped on different regions of its body.

Their research will help to keep people and stingrays safe at the beach!

Benjamin Perlman and student researchers