Youngstown State University’s Michael Butcher, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and director of YSU’s graduate program in Biological Sciences, is making national headlines for his research on extinct giant ground sloths.

In his latest study, Butcher and now former YSU graduate student, Michael Deak, tested hypotheses about how Ice Age giant ground sloths may have functioned with lower-than-human body temperatures and metabolism by combining modern data on paleoclimate and predicted fur coverage, with available fossil evidence earning both a publication in the well respected scientific journal, Journal of Mammalian Evolution, but also a feature in The New York Times.

“This kind of national recognition validates the high-impact research we’re doing at YSU,” Butcher said. “And it really shines a light on what our students are capable of when given the chance.”

Now in his 18th year at the University, Butcher is YSU’s only zoologist and anatomist. He has worked diligently to build student mentorship into every level of his job. “I always like to give my students the credit for the research work that we do,” he said. “I cannot do any of this without dedicated students.”

Deak, lead author of their paper, started his work with Butcher in 2020. Their project initially began as a fusion of Deak’s interest in dinosaur paleontology with Butcher’s focus on structure and function in living tree sloths, eventually evolving into a study of giant ground sloth physiology and adaptation. By using fossilized remains and modeling their physiology, they uncovered new evidence about how these prehistoric mammals may have lived.

To support the study, Butcher and Deak partnered with researchers from UCLA and the University of Wisconsin to further analyze fossil material obtained from major collections, including Megatherium teeth from The Field Museum of Chicago, Florida Museum of Natural History and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

In addition to publishing work reshaping the scientific understanding of ground sloths, Butcher’s research has explored many aspects of tree sloth strength and biology. His team’s studies show that modern tree sloths, despite their slow pace, are incredibly strong and efficient movers, furthering his investigation into muscle function, metabolism and evolutionary adaptation.

“We’ve studied their muscle fiber types, muscle metabolism, muscle gearing, joint motions/ locomotor mechanics, it’s a very thorough analysis,” he said. “And what’s really exciting is how all these independent data sources come together to tell one story.”

Beyond the scientific discoveries, Butcher is most proud of the opportunity to mentor students and inspire future researchers. “That’s the role I find myself in, and it’s the role I thrive in,” he said. “I received excellent mentorship in my own education, and now I get to pay that forward. That’s the most rewarding part of this job.”

As far as the impact of his work, Butcher explained, “The type of discovery-driven research that I conduct is considered fundamental science. It’s knowledge for the sake of knowledge,” he said. “My major contribution to humans is knowledge, and I think that’s actually the most noble aspect of education and research.”

Butcher emphasized that his role as a professor allows him to contribute not only through research but also through quality education and student access to expertise.

“There’s nobility in education,” he said. “It’s one of the true contributions we can make to human society. As long as I feel this passionate, I’m going to keep at it.”