Lauren Sarringhaus

Professor Lauren Sarringhaus is an esteemed academic integrating diverse disciplines to study the intricate relationship between morphology and behavior in primates. As an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at James Madison University, she has been contributing to the academic community since 2022. Her academic journey is marked by a PhD and MA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a BA from Miami University, which laid the foundation for her profound interest in evolutionary biology. Professor Sarringhaus's research is primarily centered on understanding ape positional behavioral variability and its implications for the origins of ape and human anatomical form. Her work delves into the fascinating dynamics between bones and behavior, employing a variety of methodologies to explore this relationship. By documenting ontogenetic shifts in apes, she provides insights into how developmental changes influence locomotion and morphology. Her research also extends to examining postcranial variation in bone strength, offering a deeper understanding of how skeletal structures adapt to different environmental and behavioral contexts. This aspect of her work is crucial in unraveling the complexities of morphological evolution, particularly in relation to the adaptive strategies of primates. In addition to her focus on bone strength, Professor Sarringhaus is keenly interested in the ecological features that shape locomotor and morphological evolution in apes. Her studies often involve analyzing how various ecological pressures influence the development and variability of locomotor behaviors, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of evolutionary processes. Through her interdisciplinary approach, Professor Sarringhaus not only advances the field of evolutionary biology but also inspires her students to explore the interconnectedness of anatomy, behavior, and environment. Her dedication to research and teaching continues to enrich the academic environment at James Madison University, fostering a new generation of biologists equipped to tackle complex scientific questions.