Anthropologist given one of nation's top scientific honors

Currently, Lovejoy is one of seven researchers examining a more ancient find, Ardipithecus ramidus, and he recently joined in the discovery and definition of a new species of hominid, Australopithecus garhi, a probable direct linear ancestor of modern humans.

In addition to teaching at Kent State for almost 30 years, Lovejoy is a clinical professor of anatomy at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, a research associate for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, a technical advisor for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office in Cleveland, Ohio, and a member of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University.

A widely published author with more than 100 articles in publications such as Science, Nature, Bioessays and Scientific American, Lovejoy serves on the editorial board for Anthropological Science. He also holds the honor of being one of the Institute for Scientific Information’s "Most Highly Cited" authors in social sciences.

Lovejoy received a doctorate in biological anthropology from the University of Massachusetts, an M.A. in biological anthropology from the Case Institute of Technology, and a B.A. in psychology from Western Reserve University.

The National Academy of Sciences was established in 1863 by an act of congress establishing it as an official advisor to the federal government, to which it provides scientific and technological advice. Over the years, the academy has evolved to incorporate four distinguished organizations — the National Academies of Science and Engineering, the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council. Known collectively as the National Academies, they perform an unparalleled public service by bringing together experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve as volunteers to address critical national issues and give unbiased advice to the federal government and the public.