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Daniel Oliver Schmitt

Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Evolutionary Anthropology
Duke Box 90383, Durham, NC 27708
203 Biological Sciences Buildi, 130 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


My primary interest is in the evolution of primate locomotion. I am studying the mechanics of movement in primates and other vertebrates in the laboratory to understand the relationship between movement and postcranial morphology, and the unique nature of primates among mammals. Current projects include the origins of primate locomotion and the evolution of vertebrate bipedalism.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology · 2011 - Present Evolutionary Anthropology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published July 2, 2014
The amazing five-legged kangaroo
Published March 30, 2014
Some Animals Move Through The Treetops With Help From A Stiff Back
Published January 10, 2014
Blending Locomotion and Arthritis: An Interview with Daniel Schmitt

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Recent Publications


Comparative biomechanical analysis of jumping between the arboreal northern treeshrew (Tupaia belangeri) and the fat-tailed dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus medius)

Journal Article Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society · December 1, 2025 Jumping allows arboreal mammals to navigate disparate canopy supports. Existing research suggests that the long, mobile limbs of many small primates—including basal primate ancestors—facilitate arboreal jumping performance by extending centre of mass (CoM) ... Full text Cite

Unilateral Single Joint Arthritis Changes Joint Power in Unaffected Joints.

Journal Article Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society · July 2025 Pain and disability associated with arthritis of the hip, knee, or ankle is well-documented. However, data on joint power and how arthritis in one joint affects power in that joint and in unaffected joints are limited. This study asks if arthritis in any o ... Full text Cite

Gait compliance alters ground reaction forces in human walking: implications for the evolution of bipedalism.

Journal Article The Journal of experimental biology · May 2025 Despite decades of inquiry, the evolution of bipedalism remains a mystery. Some have argued that a compliant walking gait, with deep hip and knee flexion to moderate ground reaction forces, was used by early human ancestors, marking our relatively stiff mo ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Foot posture in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and the evolution of human heel strike?

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by L.S.B. Leakey Foundation · 2022 - 2025

Biomechanics of humeral curvature in the evolution of primate locomotion

ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by L.S.B. Leakey Foundation · 2022 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications


Stony Brook University · 1995 Ph.D.