Anthropologist Joins Department After Three Years as Visiting Assistant Professor

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Lucas K. Delezene

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Lucas Delezene has been named assistant professor of anthropology in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He has served as a visiting assistant professor for the University of Arkansas since 2011.

“Dr. Delezene’s interest in human evolution and dental microwear analysis make him a great fit for our Department of Anthropology,” said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. “His contributions to paleontological projects in Arizona, Ethiopia, Spain and South Africa complement the college’s legacy of international understanding.”

Delezene is also interested in primate evolution, morphological integration, canine honing, primate diets and dental functional morphology. His work experience includes academic archaeology and cultural resource management. 

“In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Delezene has remained active in research and publishing,” said Peter Ungar, distinguished professor of anthropology and chair of the department. “Even as a vising faculty member, he has been an asset to the department through presentations at national meetings and success securing grant funding.”

Delezene’s research focuses on the evolution of the primate dentition with specific focus on the evolution of hominin canines and premolars. His previous research has also focused on studying temporal trends in premolar evolution in the hominin Australopithecus afarensis, for which a dense fossil record extends for approximately 700,000 years in eastern Africa.

“I’m currently investigating functional changes in hominin premolars,” Delezene said. “I’m thankful that I can continue addressing my hypotheses at the U of A while studying the microscopic patterns of dental attrition that are recorded on fossil hominin teeth.”

Delezene received a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and biology from Emory University. He earned a Master of Arts and a doctorate in anthropology from Arizona State University.