Assistant Professor of Anatomy jlheaton@uab.edu
3123 East Science Hall, Science & Engineering Complex
(205) 934-6034

Research and Teaching Interests: Paleoanthropology, human evolutionary anatomy, human osteology, fossil cercopithecoids, taphonomy, clinical applications in anatomy, problem-based learning

Office Hours: By appointment

As an Alabama native and a first-generation college student, I know firsthand how life-changing a good education can be. I worked before attending college and took classes at night to become an Emergency Medical Tech (EMT). After discovering my passion for comparative anatomy and anthropology at the University of South Alabama, I was inspired to pursue graduate studies in paleoanthropology (i.e., human evolution).

At Indiana University, my PhD focused on the taxonomy of fossil cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys) from South Africa. These primates lived alongside our ancestors and provided critical insights into the evolutionary pressures that shape species. Since my first trip in 2000, South Africa has remained central to my research and has become a place I deeply cherish and consider a second home. I am researching with collaborators in France, Germany, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S.

My recent research focuses on the fossil Australopithecus skeleton, 'Little Foot'. This remarkable fossil is nearly three times more complete than the famous Australopithecus fossil 'Lucy'. Due to its completeness, 'Little Foot' will provide a template for testing hypotheses about our fossil relatives. If you ever visit the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, look for the permanent display of a 'Little Foot' cast in the Hall of Human Origins

Throughout my career, I've taught a diverse range of courses in biology and anthropology and enjoyed engaging with students at all levels. I am excited to continue my research and teaching at UAB after spending 16 years at Birmingham-Southern College.