Julia Boughner

My research background is the study of primate biology and evolution. Over time I’ve morphed into an evolutionary developmental biologist studying primates (including humans) as well as other vertebrates such as mouse, python, chicken and fish. My NSERC-funded lab works to explain how teeth and jaws fit together as animals grow and as species evolve. We also use these insights to explain the reasons for common dental health issues including wisdom tooth impaction, dental crowding and malocclusion.

More broadly I serve as a grant reviewer for the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada's Discovery Grant program, and as a Board member of the Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology.

My science advocacy and outreach service includes organizing Saskatoon's Cafe Scientifique free, monthly public seminar series, co-founding Vancouver's Cafe Scientifique, co-organizing Saskatoon's 2017 and 2018 March for Science events, and serving on the Executive of Evolution Education Canada - Saskatchewan.

Related to my science outreach, in addition to training under The Banff Centre's Science Communications Program, I have been interviewed in print, radio and television by a variety of media outlets including the CBC, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, and Gizmodo.