Fiorenza
Laboratory
Palaeodiet Research
Welcome to the Fiorenza Lab
Our goal is to gain a better understanding of the relationship between diet, cranio-dental morphology, ecology and evolution in modern humans, our closest living relatives and our extinct ancestors.
We're part of the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and a member of the Development & Stem Cells, Program and the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology.
Dr Luca Fiorenza
My global research connections, partners and funding can be viewed on my Monash Research Profile.
If you are a student interested in doing research in our lab, visit Supervisor Connect.
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Our research
Our research interests mostly focus on functional morphology of the masticatory apparatus in humans and non human primates, and on the importance of the role of diet in human evolution. We use different methods and approaches mostly based on highly sophisticated computer models, ranging from dental wear studies to biomechanics and morphological analyses.
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The role of diet on early human evolution
Changes in diet is a key event in human evolution. We’re reconstructing the diets of our human ancestors using a multi-disciplinary approach.
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A real-time biomechanical study of Neanderthal anterior dentition
Advancing our understanding on the evolution of human dentition using 3D digital modelling and engineering tools.
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The emergence of malocclusions in transitional hunter-gatherer societies
Analysing the relationships between craniofacial structures, occlusal wear and normal and altered masticatory function, building multi-functional computer models.
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Diet and ecology of non-human primates
Extant non-human primates are an important source of comparative information for the reconstruction of the diets of extinct hominins. Here we analyse dental microwear of a large comparative dataset of non-human primates.
Lab members
We are committed to excellence in research.
Join Our Lab
We're always interested in collaborating with bright and motivated researchers, clinicians and industry. Whether you want to research, study or partner with us to accelerate our discoveries, find out about the work we do.