Sharmi Sen

As an evolutionary biologist, I am interested in understanding how animals routinely overcome social and ecological challenges via different social pathways. I am fascinated by individual variation and my research program revolves around understanding the causes and consequences of this variation at the proximate (mechanistic) as well as the ultimate (evolutionary) level. I have an avid interest in developing new and updating existing non-invasive techniques to monitor the health of wild populations and aid in long-term research. I am also passionate about fieldwork, mentorship, and increasing diversity and inclusivity within Biological Anthropology.

As a postdoctoral research associate, I am working with members of the Kasanka Baboon Project on a project examining how different social phenotypes can lead to variation in gut microbiome diversity of wild kinda baboons (Papio kindae) living in Kasanka National Park, Zambia.

My dissertation research examined the causes and consequences of individual differences in male life history patterns in wild gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) – a close relative of baboons. As part of the long term Simien Mountains Gelada Research Project, I conducted 18 months of fieldwork in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia collecting hormonal, genetic, and behavioral data from natal juvenile males (to identify factors driving variation in dispersal decision) and dominant adult males (to identify factors driving variation in reproductive decisions).

Prior to this, I received a 5 year dual BS-MS degree from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali in 2015 with a focus in Biological Sciences. I am broadly interested in life history theory, sexual conflict, and the evolution of behavioral strategies in social species.

My research has been funded by the National Science Foundation (Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant), the L.S.B Leakey Foundation (Franklin Mosher Baldwin Fellowship & Leakey Research Grant), the International Primatological Society (Student Research Grant), the American Society for Mammalogists (Grant in aid of Research), Rackham Graduate School (Rackham International Research Award, Barbour Fellowship, Rackham Humanities Fellowship, Rackham One Term Fellowship), African Studies Center (Summer Research Award), International Institute (Summer Research Award), Evolution and Human Adaptation Program (Student Research Grant), and the Department of Anthropology (Titiev Fellowship) at the University of Michigan.