Zaneta Thayer

I am a biological anthropologist interested in understanding how (biological mechanisms) and why (evolutionary origins) environmental experiences shape patterns of human biology and health. One important application of this interest is understanding how social inequalities create health inequalities. As such, my research has focused on evaluating how factors such as poverty, trauma, and ethnic discrimination affect health.

My overall research goal is to contribute findings of interest to both evolutionary anthropologists and public health professionals. I am strongly motivated to increase public understanding of evolution, developmental plasticity, and how the social construction of race can shape patterns of biological difference.