Kari Allen

Dr. Kari Allen is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in the Department of Neuroscience (School of Medicine) and Department of Anthropology at Washington University. Her research focuses on primate evolution through comparative anatomy and fossil record analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy from Duke University.

Allen investigates two primary areas: 1) brain size evolution and cranial anatomy in primates, examining timing and ecological correlates, and 2) using cranio-dental morphology to reconstruct feeding ecology in extinct species. Her interdisciplinary approach combines paleontology, anatomy, and ecology.

Her publications reveal consistent focus on primate dietary adaptations and encephalization patterns. Research employs geometric morphometrics and fossil analysis to understand evolutionary pressures.

Awards include:

• NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant
• Leakey Foundation Research Grant
• Multiple mentoring and teaching awards

Allen leads field expeditions to fossil sites worldwide and mentors students in laboratory analysis techniques. She currently supervises research on baboon dental variation and lemuroid endocasts.