Matthew Tocheri

Dr. Matthew Tocheri is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Lakehead University and holds the Canada Research Chair in Human Origins. He is also a Research Associate in the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on the evolutionary history of hominids, particularly the functional morphology of wrists, hands, and feet in relation to tool use and locomotion. Notably, his work on Homo floresiensis (the 'hobbit' species) has gained global attention for its implications on human evolution. Tocheri’s research integrates anatomical, ecological, and archaeological methods with a focus on fossil hominins and extant primates.

He earned his HBA in Anthropology from Lakehead University and his MA and PhD from Arizona State University. His educational background combines primatology, paleontology, and human osteology, underpinning his interdisciplinary approach to studying human origins.

Research interests include the morphological adaptations of hominins to tool use, bipedalism, and environmental pressures. His work spans multiple continents, with fieldwork in Indonesia (Liang Bua), South Africa (Drimolen), and studies of ape morphology in captivity and the wild. Recent projects investigate limb morphology variations in gorillas and orangutans, as well as the paleoecology of Flores Island.

Articles published in Nature, Science, and PNAS highlight his contributions to understanding hominin diversity, including the discovery of new Homo naledi fossils and analyses of tool production biomechanics. His research also examines the role of ecological factors in shaping primate morphology and behavior.

Scientific recognition includes the Canada Research Chair, reflecting his leadership in human origins research. Collaborative projects involve institutions like the Smithsonian, Texas A&M University Press, and international archaeological teams. His work bridges paleontology, primatology, and archaeology to address fundamental questions about human uniqueness and evolutionary pathways.

Tocheri’s advisory roles and grants support interdisciplinary research, though no formal student advisees are listed. His lab work focuses on 3D morphological data collection and analysis, housed in platforms like MorphoSource, advancing open-access scientific collaboration.