Dental Topography

Dental topographic analysis is the study of functional aspects of tooth form, combining 3D scanning with quantitative shape characterization. Our laboratory pioneered the use of laser scanning and geographic information systems to model dental cusps as mountains, fissures as valleys, etc. The resulting data are used to infer diets from fossil species, and to consider how tooth shape and function change with gross wear over the course of a lifetime. Our focus has been on extant primates and other mammals as well as fossil hominins and other extinct primates. We have also developed, with colleagues, clinical applications for dental topographic analysis.  Today we continue to study dental topography using the latest techniques and tools by combining clinical intraoral scanning technology with R-based dental topography packages.

Dental Microwear

Dental microwear texture analysis is the study of microscopic-scale dental wear surface texture to infer tooth use and diet of extinct and extant individuals. Our lab has also pioneered the use of confocal profilometry and scale-sensitive fractal analysis for automated characterization of texture patterns related to specific diet types. We have applied dental microwear texture analysis to a broad spectrum of mammals, both extant and extinct, to infer diet and reconstruct past environments. We have also developed, with colleagues, clinical applications for this approach.

To learn more about our current and recent  projects, see our research link!

The Ungar Lab  publicly affirms our support for a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment with mutual respect for all individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Paleoanthropology is the study of the roots of all humanity, for all humanity.  And its practitioners should represent the diversity of humanity – its backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders, and sexual orientations. The Ungar Lab is committed to broadening diversity within our discipline and giving voice to those who have been underrepresented or not at all represented, in the study of human origins.   Ungar Lab alums and students include Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), members of the LGBTQ community, first generation college students, those from lower-income and immigrant families, and people of many faiths. Our students and other researchers contribute their unique talents to science and engage in efforts toward social change. We pledge to continue upholding our commitment to the rights of and respect for all individuals; and we welcome and encourage students, postdocs and collaborators from all backgrounds to join us.

We call to action faculty and educators to ensure adequate and effective cultural diversity education along with advocacy of racial and ethnic equity.  It is also imperative that we educate our students with the thoughts and perspectives of BIPOC and other underrepresented groups both to foster an environment of inclusion and also to improve the science of Paleoanthropology.   Our discipline has suffered inherent biases, and we must constantly review, question, analyze, and overcome these.

In conclusion, the Ungar Lab is dedicated to fostering and celebrating diversity and inclusion, and especially to supporting all BIPOC students, faculty, and staff, and we endeavor to continue learning, listening, and adapting to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for academia.