Dr Cara M. Wall-Scheffler
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Telephone: +1 608.265.2725
Fax: +1
608.265.6320
Email: cscheffler@wisc.edu
Education
PhD, Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge, 2005
MPhil, Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge
BA, Biology, Anthropology, and Literature, Seattle Pacific University
Research Interests
My research seeks to better understand what makes each hominin
species successful in its particular environment, particularly
through the analysis of factors influencing energy expenditure
and budgeting. Two methods have proven especially useful
in my work. In the first case, I study the adaptability of hominin
species through the ecology of energy budgets—specifically
how Neanderthals and modern humans adjusted to climatic changes,
moved throughout diverse geographic landscapes, and utilized seasonal
resources. I also seek after a more sophisticated understanding
of energetic economy in locomotor morphology. To this end I am
studying how hominins could have moved across the landscape with
the least caloric usage. When research shows that a morphology
may not have been energetically advantageous for locomotion, my
subsequent scholarship works to interpret how that specific morphology
could have solved other adaptive issues. As such I am interested
in placing hominins within their adaptive framework.
Current Projects
Investigating the role and cost of infant carrying in modern
human populations (with K.G.)
Studying the variation within and between individuals of their
(medio-lateral and vertical) excursion of their pelvis over variable
terrain (with UW
Biomechanics Lab)
Teaching
Currently
Fall Semester 2006 Will be lecturing in
ANTH 321, ‘Emergence of Human Culture’ on the Middle
to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Europe.
Previously
2002-2003 Instructor, Humans
in Biological Perspective, University of Cambridge
This year long course covered the four field approach to
biological anthropology and included introductory material
on human ecology; human and non-human primate genetics; non-human
primate ecology and behaviour; and human evolution.
2000 Teaching Assistant, Ecology,
Seattle Pacific University
This summer course covered primarily forest ecology and consisted
of leading students through ecosystem studies as well as helping
develop individual and group research projects. The
course was taught on site in an island forest in the San Juan
Islands, Washington.
1999 Teaching Assistant,
Molecular Genetics, Seattle Pacific University
My role in this course was teaching the laboratory portion
of molecular genetics which consisted of introducing techniques
of molecular genetics, supplementing the lecture series with
additional discussions, grading lab notebooks, and monitoring
and grading individual research in genetics.
