Robin M. Bernstein

Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology
Research Associate, National Museum of Natural History
E-mail robinb@gwu.edu
Office: 2114 G St., 307 / (202) 994-4255
Lab: Ross Hall 414A / (202) 994-7819

Research

Dr. Bernstein studies the physiological correlates of life history in non-human primates. Specifically, she analyzes variation in hormone levels for their relationship to within- and between-species differences in growth, reproduction, and aging. She conducts laboratory research on biological samples (e.g. blood, serum, feces) to quantify hormone levels using enzymeimmunoassay techniques. By building a comparative base of information regarding important physiological regulators of life history characteristics in non-human primates, her research also contributes to an understanding of the evolution of human life histories.

Current Research Projects

1. Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx): Analysis of hormones and their relationship to growth, reproduction, and secondary sexual characteristics; in collaboration with Joanna Setchell (Durham University, UK) and Jean Wickings (Centre International de Recherches Médicales, Franceville, Gabon).
   
2. Great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans): Analysis of hormone levels associated with growth and aging, and of genetic polymorphisms associated with (within and between species) variation in levels of these hormones; in collaboration with Sheri Church (Biology, GW).
   
3. Red-shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus): Analysis of fecal glucocorticoids in animals housed at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, Cuc Phuong National Forest, Vietnam; in collaboration with Tilo Nadler (EPRC) and Janine Brown (Conservation and Research Center, National Zoo).
   

Selected Publications

See Dr. Bernstein’s CV for a complete list of publications.

Articles and Book Chapters

2007	Bernstein, R., S. Leigh, S. Donovan, and M. Monaco. "Hormones and body size evolution in papionin primates," American Journal of Physical Anthropology 132: 247-60.
2006	Leigh, S., and R. Bernstein. "Ontogeny, life history, and maternal reproductive strategies in baboons." In: Leigh S., Swedell L., eds., Life History, Reproductive Strategies, and Fitness in Baboons. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.

Courses Taught

Anth 001: Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Anth 005: Biological Bases of Human Behavior
Anth 143/243: Human Growth and Development
Anth 201: Proseminar in Biological Anthropology
Anth 245: Primate Life Histories

Education

Ph.D. 2004, University of Illinois
B.A. 1997, Rutgers College