Research Interests - At a Glance

My master’s research focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of KNM-ER 5431, a set of mandibular teeth from the Plio-Pleistocene. My doctoral research is aimed at the evolutionary convergence of Homo and Paranthropus. My other interests include the following topics:

Hominin phylogeny

The connections among our ancestors and our connection to them is what enticed me to switch to paleoanthropology after my biochemistry studies in undergrad. Studying dentition is just one way to begin resolving phylogeny. Part of phylogenetics, too, is the study of convergent evolution- one of my most favorite topics in and out of paleoanthropology.

Post-cranial morphology

Both the evolution of facultative bipedalism and the gradual development of obligate bipedalism are exciting topics to me. Hominins are not the only animals to have developed bipedalism; as such, I would like to study non-hominins and hominins in conjunction to better understand locomotive patterns. There is unexplored research potential outside the primate clade- possibly, even outside eutheria.

Non-hominin paleontology

While many hominin adaptations are anomalous, they are not always unique. A wide, comparative approach is thus appropriate. Beyond that which is directly applicable to my main studies in the hominin lineage, I have also enjoyed the opportunity to learn broader methods in paleontology at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum.