Laura Fitton

Dr. Laura Fitton is a Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of York's Department of Archaeology and the Hull York Medical School. Her research focuses on understanding the functional significance of craniofacial morphology variations in primates and mammals through interdisciplinary methods such as finite element analysis (FEA), multibody dynamics analysis (MDA), and virtual 3D reconstruction. She explores how masticatory form and function relate to evolutionary and developmental processes, particularly in primate dietary adaptations and ontogenetic changes.

Her teaching roles include leading modules like Human Evolutionary Anatomy and Virtual Anatomies, and she directs the MSc in Human Anatomy & Evolution. She is affiliated with the PalaeoHub research group and collaborates widely across disciplines, including paleontology, engineering, and ecology.

Dr. Fitton’s work bridges traditional anatomical techniques with cutting-edge computational modeling. Recent research highlights include studies on hominin tooth morphology, primate seed predation strategies, and the biomechanical implications of dental reduction. Her contributions advance our understanding of how functional adaptations shape craniofacial evolution in primates and other mammals.