New discoveries from the Ledi-Geraru Research Project

Recent fossil discoveries from the Ledi‑Geraru Research Project in Ethiopia’s Afar Region are offering new insight into the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of early hominins. Dr. Amy L. Rector’s research integrates taphonomy, paleoecology, and faunal analysis to reconstruct the Plio‑Pleistocene environments in which these ancestors lived. New evidence— including fossils representing a previously unknown species of human ancestor—reveals that the Lower Awash Valley hosted a diverse community of hominins, underscoring that species diversity has long been a hallmark of human evolution. By examining how environmental change shaped hominin adaptation and behavior, this work provides a more nuanced picture of a critical time interval between 3.0 and 2.5 million years ago. This talk will explore the implications of these discoveries, what they reveal about ancient ecosystems, and how ongoing research in the Afar continues to refine our understanding of early human origins.

Friday, November 13, 2026

Start Time:

• VIP Reception 5:30 p.m.

• Lecture 7 p.m.

End Time: 8 p.m.

Please note: Purchasing a VIP ticket also includes access to the lecture; no separate lecture ticket is required.

About the speaker: Amy L. Rector is a professor of anthropology at Virginia Commonwealth University and associate dean for faculty affairs in the College of Humanities and Sciences. A paleoecologist specializing in the environmental contexts of early human evolution, Rector reconstructs ancient ecosystems in eastern and southern Africa to better understand how shifting landscapes shaped hominin diversity and behavior. She directs the Ledi‑Geraru Research Project in Ethiopia’s Afar Region and co‑directs the Zambia Rift Valley Research Project, leading international teams investigating Plio‑Pleistocene environments and fossil mammal communities. Her work—supported by the National Science Foundation, the Leakey Foundation, Wenner‑Gren, and others—recently contributed to the announcement of a new species of early human ancestor from Ethiopia. Rector has conducted fieldwork across Africa, teaches courses in human evolution and osteology, and is active in professional mentoring and regional bioanthropology initiatives. Her research integrates geology, paleoecology, and faunal analysis to illuminate the environmental backdrop of our earliest evolutionary history.

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