Shannon McFarlin

Assistant Research Professor of Anthropology, Adjunct Instructor of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology
Research Associate, Center for the Advanced Study of Hominid Paleobiology
E-mail mcfarlin@gwu.edu
Office: 2114 G St. 301 / (202) 994-4245

Dr. McFarlin is a biological anthropologist with expertise in mineralized tissue histology.

Research

Dr. McFarlin conducts research on skeletal and dental development and microscopic anatomy, with a particular interest in its significance for revealing aspects of the growth and development, skeletal function, and environments of primates. A major focus of her current research is on primates of known life history, to examine the manner in which specific life events and environmental factors impact the developing microanatomy of bones and teeth. One goal of this work is to expand available methods for investigating the life history and behavior of humans and other primates from their fossilized remains, as well as the environmental context of their evolution.

Current Research Projects

1. Comparative studies of the development of bone microscopic structure and its relationship to life history and skeletal function in humans and other primates.
2. Collaborative research on life history and hard tissue microanatomy in mountain gorillas from the Virunga Volcanoes region of Rwanda, with an emphasis on understanding the effects of stress, disease and environmental factors on their growth, development, and lifetime health and well-being. With collaborators from the Rwandan Office of Tourism and National Parks, the New York University College of Dentistry, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, and the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project.

Selected Publications

Articles and Book Chapters

2008	Goldman, H.M., McFarlin S.C., Cooper D.M.L., Thomas C.D.L., Clement J.G. "Ontogenetic patterning of cortical bone microstructure and geometry at the human mid-shaft femur," Anatomical Record 292(1): 48-64.
2008	McFarlin, S.C., C.J. Terranova, A.L. Zihlman, D.H. Enlow, T.G. Bromage. "Regional variability in secondary remodeling within long bone cortices of catarrhine primates: The influence of bone growth history," Journal of Anatomy 213(3):308-324.
2003	Bromage, T.G., H.M. Goldman, S.C. McFarlin, J. Warshaw, C.M. Riggs, A Boyde. "Circularly polarized light standards for investigations of collagen fiber orientation in bone," The Anatomical Record 2748: 157-168.

Courses Taught

Anth 001, Biological Anthropology
Anat 210, Gross Anatomy
Anth 213, Human Microscopic Anatomy

Education

Ph.D. 2006, CUNY Graduate Center
M.Phil. 2001, CUNY Graduate Center
B.A. 1996, Georgia State University