Megan Arnot

Megan Arnot is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Anthropology at University College London (UCL), having previously served as an Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Evolutionary Anthropology (2021-2023). She concurrently holds a non-academic position as Senior Statistician at the UK Department for Education since December 2023. Her academic career at UCL began with undergraduate studies in 2013, culminating in an ESRC-BBSRC funded PhD.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Biological Anthropology, University College London (2017-2021)
• MSci in Human Sciences and Evolution, University College London (2013-2017)

Arnot's research focuses on human behavioural ecology and evolutionary anthropology, specializing in life history theory, reproductive decision-making, and post-reproductive lifespan evolution. Her work examines menopause timing and symptoms through reproductive conflict, social support mechanisms, and ecological influences. She extends evolutionary frameworks to contemporary issues including pandemic behavior, childlessness patterns, and health inequalities across diverse populations.

Her publication record demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration across anthropology, public health, and social sciences. Key thematic clusters include menopause evolution (exploring timing, symptoms, and facultative variation), life course body composition (analyzing socioeconomic determinants in childhood/adulthood), and mental health perceptions. The research consistently applies evolutionary theory to empirical data from longitudinal studies and cross-cultural contexts, particularly emphasizing women's health and social determinants of well-being.