Zach Throckmorton studies the natural history of one of the oddest creatures produced by evolutionary processes, Homo sapiens. He utilizes an integrative approach, applying principles and insights from evolutionary, ecological, anatomical, and computer science to biological anthropology. He has done lab work in molecular anthropology, fieldwork in North American primate paleontology, and assisted with forensic anthropology casework. These activities reflect his interests in genetics, fossils, & the nature of human biological variation.
Zach's research topics have included the emergence of hominins as an ecologically 'abnormal' or disruptive taxon, the genetic contributions of ancient to modern humans, and the evolution of the human foot.
An advisee of Dr. John Hawks, he is very pleased to be at the University of Wisconsin, Madison! Zach earned his Bachelor of Science (in Anthropology-Zoology) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2004, a Master of Science (in Human Biology) from the University of Indianapolis in 2007, a Master of Science (in Anthropology) from UW-Madison in 2009, and advanced to dissertator status in 2010