Rebecca Cook

Rebecca Cook is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology & Anatomy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), within the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology & Sociology from Centre College and a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology from Duke University. Her research focuses on exploring the biomechanics and functional morphology of the human pelvis through experimental methods, with dual emphases on hominin pelvic evolution and clinical applications in orthopaedic surgery. Collaborations with surgical oncologists aim to improve prosthetic biomechanics by integrating evolutionary insights.

Education:

• B.A., Anthropology & Sociology, Centre College
• Ph.D., Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University

Research Interests: Her work bridges paleontology and clinical biomechanics. She employs finite element analysis, motion capture, and fossil reconstruction to study hominin pelvic adaptations during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition, alongside gait analysis for surgical outcomes. Key topics include Homo floresiensis cranial biomechanics, Homo naledi femoral morphology, and bipedalism evolution.

Publications: Recent work examines bite force evolution, Homo floresiensis feeding mechanics, and gait compliance effects on bipedalism. These studies highlight her interdisciplinary approach, linking evolutionary processes to clinical challenges.

Grants & Advising: While no formal advisees are listed, her collaborative projects suggest mentorship in lab settings. Her grants likely support interdisciplinary research at the intersection of anthropology and orthopaedics.

Labs & Teams: Engaged with surgical oncology teams and paleoanthropology networks, her research leverages cross-disciplinary partnerships to advance both academic and clinical goals.