Menu Close

Nicholas R. Longrich

Senior Lecturer in Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology, Life Sciences at the University of Bath, University of Bath

Paleontologist, evolutionary biologist and sometimes archaeologist from Kodiak, Alaska. I'm currently based at the University of Bath. Interested in how the world came to be and why it's the way it is, as opposed to some other way.

I study dinosaurs, among other things - pterosaurs, fossil birds, lizards and snakes. I'm especially interested in understanding macroevolution: large-scale evolutionary patterns and processes. The evolution of organisms and ecosystems over millions and billions of years, the evolution of complex adaptations like bird flight, the snake body plan, and the human mind.

I'm interested in the idea that macroevolution is more than just lots of microevolution. Over long periods of time, at large scales, and in the evolution of complex structures, different dynamics come into play; that over time, the processes of evolution itself have evolved. Recently, I've become interested in the evolution of the human species.

Experience

  • 2013–present
    Senior Lecturer, Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Bath
  • 2009–2012
    Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University

Education

  • 2008 
    University of Calgary, PhD
  • 2000 
    University of Chicago, MS
  • 1998 
    Princeton University, BA