معرفی
David Daegling is Professor of Anthropology in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida, where he has served since 2011 after previously holding faculty positions at Yale University (1990-2000) and Duke University (1992-1993). His research focuses on biomechanical modeling of skeletal structures, occlusal dental microwear analysis, and primate functional morphology, with extensive fieldwork conducted in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire as part of the Taï Monkey Project.
Daegling's research interests center on developing methods for functional and adaptive inference in the paleontological record, particularly regarding primate and human evolution. His work spans three primary areas: biomechanical modeling of skeletal structures (examining stress/strain profiles in comparative samples), dental microwear analysis (investigating diet and ingestive behavior's impact on microwear formation), and functional morphology of Taï Forest monkeys (studying material and structural properties of craniofacial and locomotor skeletons). His laboratory conducts skeletal biomechanics and morphometrics research on cercopithecoid monkeys to understand evolutionary adaptations.
Analysis of Daegling's recent publications reveals consistent focus on primate skeletal biomechanics, dental microwear formation mechanisms, and functional morphology of African monkeys. His work integrates field observations from Côte d'Ivoire with laboratory-based biomechanical testing and modeling, creating a comprehensive approach to understanding primate and hominin evolution. Key themes include bone material property variation, dental adaptation to diet, locomotor skeleton mechanics, and methodological development for paleontological inference.
- University of Florida Research Foundation Professorship (2016)
- Colonel Allan R. and Margaret G. Crow Term Professor of Anthropology (2015, 2010)
- Yale University Senior Faculty Fellowship in the Social Sciences (1996)
- Yale University Junior Faculty Fellowship in the Social Sciences (1992)
- Oschinsky-McKern Award, Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology (1989)
- Mildred Trotter Award, American Association of Physical Anthropologists (1988)
Daegling has secured significant research funding including an ongoing National Science Foundation grant (2014-2017) as Lead PI on a collaborative project titled 'Biomechanical significance of bone material variation in the primate locomotor skeleton.' His laboratory at UF conducts research on the material and structural properties of primate skeletons as part of the Taï Monkey Project. Daegling also maintains active involvement in science education and skeptical inquiry, notably authoring 'Bigfoot Exposed: An Anthropologist Examines America's Enduring Legend' (2004).
