Michael Pante

Michael Pante is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Anthropology and Geography at Colorado State University. His research focuses on human evolution, particularly the dietary shifts and technological advancements linked to early members of the Homo genus. He leads projects at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, examining the Oldowan-Acheulean transition and Homo erectus behavior. Dr. Pante is also affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and has pioneered 3D scanning techniques to analyze bone surface modifications, distinguishing human and carnivore activity. His work extends to investigating cannibalism among Neanderthals at Krapina rock shelter in Croatia.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology, Rutgers University, 2010
• M.A. in Taphonomy, African Prehistory, and Carnivore Ecology, Rutgers University, 2006
• B.S. in Evolutionary Anthropology, Rutgers University, 2001

Research Interests: Dr. Pante studies the role of meat and marrow consumption in human evolution, using high-resolution 3D scanning to differentiate cut marks from natural processes. His work bridges paleoanthropology, zooarchaeology, and taphonomy. Recent projects include analyzing early hominin activity at Olduvai and re-evaluating Neanderthal cannibalism through quantitative bone analysis.

Grants & Collaborations: His research is supported by grants focusing on Olduvai excavations and methodological innovations. He collaborates globally, including with institutions in Tanzania, Croatia, and Romania.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Olduvai Geochronology Archaeology Project and participates in international taphonomic studies.