Rebecca Cook

Rebecca Cook, PhD

Assistant Professor
Center for Anatomical Sciences
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Ft. Worth, TX 76107
Rebecca.cook@unthsc.edu

Ph.D. Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University (2024)
B.A. Anthropology & Sociology, Centre College (2015)

Curriculum Vitae

Research

Dr. Cook’s research focuses on the biomechanics and functional morphology of the human pelvis using experimental methodology. Her research program involves two distinct but interconnected topics. 1) Dr. Cook investigates the evolution of the hominin pelvis, specifically around the transition from the Pliocene to the Pleistocene. Using finite element analysis, she investigates the mechanical response of reconstructed hominin pelves to stimuli associated with proposed behavioral adaptations. 2) Dr. Cook collaborates with surgical orthopaedic oncologists to explore the functional effects of orthopaedic surgical interventions, with the overarching goal of improving the biomechanical efficiency of endoprostheses. This clinical research integrates knowledge of hominin pelvic evolution with experimental techniques like gait analysis and finite element analysis.

Selected Publications

• Cook RW, Vazzana A, Sorrentino R, Benazzi S, Smith AL, Strait D, Ledogar JA. (2021). The cranial
  biomechanics and feeding performance of Homo floresiensis. Interface Focus 11:20200083

• Walker CS, Cofran ZD, Grabowski M, Marchi D, Cook RW, Churchill SE, Tommy KA, Throckmorton Z,
  Ross AH, Hawks J, Yapuncich GS, Van Arsdale AP, Rentzeperis FI, Berger LR, DeSilva JM. (2019). Morphology and evolution of the Homo naledi femora from Lesedi. American Journal of Biological  Anthropology 170(1), 5-23.