Stephen Wooding is an Assistant Professor in UC Merced's Department of Anthropology and Heritage Studies. He is a biological anthropologist. His research explores the evolution of bitter taste perception in humans and other primates, with a focus on patterns of mutation in taste receptors and their effects on fitness. He also conducts field work in the Peruvian Amazon, where he is investigating bitter taste and toxicity in cassava, an ancient food staple of indigenous Amazonians. In addition to conducting scientific research, Dr. Wooding offers a field school on the Upper Amazon river in Loreto, Perú, providing undergraduates with first hand experience studying the anthropology of health in the peoples of the rainforest. You can learn more about Dr. Wooding's work and student opportunities on his website: https://www.woodinglab.org.
