Lesa C. Davis

Courses Taught

ANTH 109b - FYE: Skeletons in Chicago Closets

ANTH 200 - Writing in Anthropology

ANTH 215 - Human Origins: Introduction to Biological Anthropology

ANTH 261 - Biology of Behavior

ANTH 282 - Primates of the World

ANTH 290 - Graduating Anthropology

ANTH 302 - Human Osteology

ANTH 323 - Evolution of Skin Color

ANTH 343 - Anthropology of the Body (w/ T. Luedke)

ANTH 356 - Human Variation

ANTH 368 - Primate Biology and Adaptation

ANTH 371 - Forensic Anthropology

ANTH 376 - Primate Behavior

ANTH 397 - Senior Seminar in Biological Anthropology

ANTH 3871-6 - Field Museum Internship

ANTH 3891-6 - Lincoln Park Zoo Research

Research Interests

My research explores how evolution has shaped the bones and joints of different primate species, and the role of phylogeny and ecology in these processes. I just finished a project on the skeletal adaptations and evolution of locomotion of pitheciin primates with SE Walker-Pacheco and our work is featured in a Cambridge volume on the pitheciins. I also recently co-edited a Springer volume on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the marmosets and callimicos of South America (see above). I am working on a new collaborative project that focuses on the anatomy and locomotion of the night monkey (genus Aotus). Other ongoing projects include the analysis of faunal remains from Suriname harpy eagle predation, and the foraging adaptations of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia). Finally, I am collaborating with two students on two projects, one involving the faunal remains from Suriname, and the other on the origins of malocclusion in postindustrial populations.

Education

Ph.D. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 2002

M.A. Anthropology, Arizona State University, 1987

B.A. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1984

Selected Publications

Davis LC, Walker SE. 2013. Functional morphology and positional behaviour in the Pitheciini. In: LM Veiga AA Barnett, SF Ferrari, and MA Norconk (Eds). Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Titis, Sakis and Uacaris Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 84-96.

Ford SM, Porter LM, Davis LC. 2009. The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation. 508 pgs. New York: Springer.

Ford SM, Davis LC. 2009. The skeleton of Callibella humilis, a new species of marmoset. In: SM Ford, LM Porter, and Davis LC. (Eds.): The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation. New York: Springer.

Walker SE, Davis LC. 2007. Postcranial features of Cacajao with comparisons to Chiropotes and Pithecia.

Davis LC, Walker SE, Ford, SM. 2006. Locomotion and skeletal differentiation within the Pitheciini.

Davis LC, Fitton LJ, Nickels MK. 2005. The introductory course in physical anthropology: a status report on its current nature and role. American Association of Physical Anthropology Newsletter.

2005 Davis LC. Anatomical correlates for trunk-to-trunk leaping in the forelimb and hindlimb of Callimico goeldii. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:115-116.

Ford SM, Davis LC. 2005. The skeleton of Callibella humilis: functional and phylogenetic implications. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:128.

Davis LC, Ford SM. 2003. Comparative postcranial morphology of the marmosets. Am J Phys Anthrop Suppl. 36: 84.

Davis LC. 2002. Functional anatomy of the callitrichid forelimb and long bones. Neotropical Primates 10 (2):98.

1996 Davis LC. Functional and phylogenetic implications of ankle morphology in Callimico goeldii. In MA Norconk, AL Rosenberger, PA Garber (Eds.): Adaptive Radiations of Neotropical Primatess, New York: Plenum Press, pp. 133-156.

Professional Affiliations & Membership

Research Associate, Field Museum of Natural History

Chair, Anthropology/Archaeology Div., Illinois State Academy of Sciences

Treasurer, Illinois State Academy of Sciences

Honors

NEIU Student Choice Award, 2013

NEIU Faculty Excellence Award 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2013

lcdavis@neiu.edu

Room BBH 144
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5862

Office Hours

Fall 2024
Monday: Noon-1:00 p.m. and 3:00-5:00 p.m. by appointment
Wednesday: 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Other times, including weekend hours, by appointment.

Main Campus

https://neiu-edu.zoom.us/j/97403971124?pwd=c0VTZUZxcW5BU1V4dDV5MXc5SlZjdz09