Mallika S. Sarma

Mallika S. Sarma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, directing the Health and BioBehavior Lab (HaBBLab). As a human biologist, she investigates biobehavioral adaptations to stress and extreme environments.

• Education: PhD & MA in Anthropology from University of Notre Dame; BS in Evolutionary Anthropology & Psychology from University of Michigan

Her research spans neuroendocrine systems, energetic physiology, and social support mechanisms in environments like the Himalayas, Congo Basin, Rocky Mountains, and spaceflight. Recent work emphasizes stress resilience in unpredictable contexts, integrating biological anthropology with evolutionary theory.

Scientific Awards:

• TRISH Postdoctoral Research Fellow

She has published extensively in journals like American Journal of Human Biology, with work bridging anthropology and space medicine. Her grants and collaborations focus on interdisciplinary extreme environment research.