Kai Lauren Yung

About

Kai Lauren Yung investigates the biomechanics of movement at the air-water interface, focusing on tiny insects and human diving. Her research on *Microvelia americana*—2–3 mm water-walking insects—reveals how they use an alternating tripod gait to traverse land, water, and duckweed, and how limb loss alters their specialized leg dynamics for survival against predators. Yung also explores human splash creation in Manu jumping, a Māori diving style, analyzing how divers maximize splash size through aerial and underwater maneuvers. Her work, cited over a dozen times, bridges comparative biomechanics and ethology, offering insights into adaptive locomotion across scales. Notable achievements include pioneering studies on insect resilience after injury and the physics of cultural diving practices, highlighting her interdisciplinary approach to movement ecology.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Limb Loss and Specialized Leg Dynamics in Tiny Water-Walking Insects

   5 citations · 2024
2. 2
   Tiny Amphibious Insects Use Tripod Gait for Traversal on Land, Water, and Duckweed

   3 citations · 2024
3. 3
   Mastering the Manu—how humans create large splashes

   2 citations · 2025
4. 4
   Mastering the Manu – How humans create large splashes

   2 citations · 2024

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links