East African Research in Taphonomy & Human Origins

The EARTHO Lab is dedicated to interdisciplinary research on human origins in the areas of primate behavioral ecology, early hominin behavior, and paleoecology. In addition to this work, we are also committed to the preservation of Africa’s paleoanthropological heritage through site conservation, public outreach, and collaborative partnerships.

Our lab is equipped with a diverse range tools that support cutting-edge research in human origins, paleoanthropology, paleoecology, taphonomy, and primate behavioral ecology. Central to our work are high-resolution 3D scanners and associated imaging equipment, which allow for precise digital documentation and analysis of fossil and comparative specimens. Complementing this, our 3D printing capabilities enable the reproduction of skeletal elements for research, teaching, and outreach purposes. We maintain a dedicated suite of computers with advanced software for morphometric, statistical, and spatial analyses, as well as access to specialized databases. The lab also houses collections that include fossil specimens and comparative materials, providing a critical resource for understanding evolutionary processes. Together, these resources allow us to combine traditional paleoanthropological approaches with state-of-the-art digital technologies to advance knowledge in human and primate evolution.