Biological Anthropology
Based in an evolutionary perspective, biological anthropology is concerned with understanding the past and present evolution and diversity of the human species.
About the specialization
This specialization involves participation by faculty members from the departments of Anthropology and Archaeology and Cell Biology and Anatomy with expertise in primatology, skeletal biology, bioarchaeology, human anatomy, comparative anatomy, evolutionary biology, developmental biology, human adaptation and biology, morphometrics, stable isotope analysis, and biomechanics.
The specialization consists of a core of central courses that defines the discipline as well as optional courses in areas of strength and expertise among our faculty.
Associated faculty
John Bertram
Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy; Director, Gross Anatomy Lab
Research Focus: Comparative biomechanics, locomotion, skeletal biology and scaling
Susanne Cote
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
Research Focus: primate and human evolution, environmental pressures
Benedikt Hallgrimsson
Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
Research Focus: the developmental genetic basis for variation in humans and other species
Steig Johnson
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
Research Focus: ecology of several populations of brown lemurs and their hybrids, as well as the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on biodiversity in the rain forest of southeastern Madagascar
Amanda Melin
Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
Research focus: foraging behaviour, colour vision, socioecology, dietary selectivity, invertebrate foraging, capuchin monkeys
Mary Pavelka
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
Research Focus: social dynamics of Japanese Macaques, and behavioural ecology of the Belizean black howler monkeys.
Warren Wilson (Program Director)
Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
Research Focus: adaptation, health, and nutrition of indigenous peoples in the Amazon Basin and the compatibility of biological conservation with human development in the tropics
Graduate program contacts
Contact us for any questions you may have about the programs we offer.