Coren Apicella

Coren Apicella is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Director of the Undergraduate Honors Program. Her research focuses on Evolutionary Psychology, Decision Processes, and Social/Cultural Psychology with emphasis on hunter-gatherer societies like the Hadza. She holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University, preceded by degrees from Bradford College and the University of Liverpool.

Her work examines human cooperation, cultural evolution, and the biological underpinnings of social behavior. Key projects include studying how material insecurity influences religious commitment and investigating cross-cultural perceptions of hunting ability. Apicella’s research often integrates fieldwork with experimental methods, emphasizing global diversity beyond Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations.

Notable contributions include demonstrating the universality of certain social behaviors and analyzing the role of moralistic gods in promoting cooperation. She has advised at least one graduate student, Shelby Weathers, and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects bridging anthropology, economics, and psychology.