Douglas Martin Boyer

Dr. Douglas Martin Boyer is Associate Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University, specializing in primate evolution, paleontology, and morphological analysis. His research investigates the environmental and ecological contexts of primate origins through fossil discovery and advanced 3D morphometric techniques. Fieldwork in North American Paleogene deposits contributes to understanding early primate morphological and ecological evolution.

With a PhD from Stony Brook University (2009), his methodological innovations include developing new approaches for 3D shape analysis in collaboration with mathematician Ingrid Daubechies. He created and manages MorphoSource, an open-access repository for 3D biological specimens that has transformed comparative morphology research. Funded projects include the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network and studies of locomotor evolution in primates and their relatives.

Publications demonstrate expertise in dental functional morphology, locomotion biomechanics, and digital paleontology. Recent work analyzes jumping performance in primates and their analogues, dietary reconstruction from dental topography, and statistical methods for 3D shape comparison. His research program integrates paleontological fieldwork with computational methods to address fundamental questions in primate evolution.

Professional recognition includes the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools Doctoral Dissertation Award (2010) and Stony Brook University Distinguished Doctoral Dissertation Award (2009). Teaching covers human anatomy, statistical methods in evolutionary biology, and research independent studies. Outreach includes developing educational resources from 3D fossil collections.