Scholars@Duke
Daniel Oliver Schmitt

Daniel Oliver Schmitt

Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology
Evolutionary Anthropology
daniel.schmitt@duke.edu
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

Asymmetry in Limb Stiffness, Joint Power, and Joint Work During Landing in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Patients.

Journal Article Sports health · May 2025 BackgroundKinetic and kinematic side-to-side limb asymmetries can increase after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Limb stiffness asymmetry has not been previously explored.HypothesisAthletes with ACLR will exhibit greater ... 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 · April 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

Racial differences in running and landing measures associated with injury risk vary by sex.

Journal Article Sports biomechanics · December 2024 It is unknown whether running and landing mechanics differ between racial groups despite injury disparities between African Americans (AA) and white Americans (WA). This study aimed to identify potential racial differences in running and landing mechanics ... 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.

External Links

http://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/research/animal-locomotion-lab http://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/people?Gurl=%2Faas%2FBAA&Uil=daniel.schmitt&subpage=profile