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John SheaProfessorAnthropologyCollege of Arts and Sciences
Biography
John Shea’s research focuses on the archaeology of human origins and evolution during the Pleistocene Ice Ages. His interests include early hominid adaptive radiations, the origin of Homo sapiens, the extinction of the Neanderthals, and lithic (stone tool) technology. He has investigated these subjects through projects in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya. An expert stone-tool-maker, Shea uses the results of experiments using stone tools to improve archaeological methods for reconstructing prehistoric human behavior.
Education
- PhD, Harvard University
- BA, Boston University
Video
News Highlights
April 10, 2020The Oldest String Ever Found May Have Been Made By NeanderthalsNPRRead ArticleJuly 5, 2021Were Neanderthals making ‘art’ in Europe’s fabled Unicorn Cave?National GeographicRead ArticleSeptember 15, 2021Fossils and ancient DNA paint a vibrant picture of human originsScience NewsRead ArticleDecember 9, 2021How Humans Survived the Ice AgeDiscover MagazineRead ArticleMarch 10, 2022Did Humans Hunt the Biggest Animals to Extinction?Discover MagazineRead Article