Anna Katherine Behrensmeyer

Contributor to vertebrate paleoecology and taphonomy, evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, and paleoecological and geological context of human evolution. Work on the fossilization of terrestrial mammals influenced paleontology, identifying key themes for research in both ancient and modern environments in East Africa, Pakistan, and the American West. Separated physical and biotic factors in the postmortem modification of skeletal elements and assemblages, including those caused by human and natural processes. Pioneered the recognition and spatial patterning of time-averaging of fossils encompassing decades, centuries, or millennia. Developed new methods for field documentation of modern and fossil bone assemblages. Edited several books, authored book chapters, and served on editorial boards for publications such as Palaios, Paleobiology,Journal of Human Evolution, and Palaeoclimates. Contributed to the design and content of major public exhibits, served as co-curator for the NMNH Behring Family Hall of Mammals and the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils: Deep Time, curator for The Bearded Lady Project: Changing the Face of Science exhibit at NMNH (2019-2020). Leads the Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems Program of the Smithsonian Institution, which promotes interchange between the disciplines of Paleobiology and Ecology. Served as acting Associate Director for Science, National Museum of Natural History. Mentor for national and international students and post-doctoral scholars. Discover magazine named her one of 50 Most Important Women Scientists. Recent Awards: 2016 - R. C. Moore Medal for excellence in Paleontology, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), 2016 - NMNH Science Achievement Award (with ETE Working Group), 2018 - Paleontological Society Medal for the advancement of knowledge in paleontology, 2018 - Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Romer-Simpson Medal, 2019 - National Academy of Sciences – G. K. Warren Prize for contributing to understanding about how environmental factors drive evolution, 2019 - NMNH Peer Recognition Team Award – Deep Time Exhibit Core Team, 2020 - Election to National Academy of Sciences.