Some sad news for colleagues and former students of Dr. Mary Marzke (one of my PhD advisors in anthropology at Arizona State U) who died yesterday surround by her lovely family. Mary was one of the world’s top experts on the comparative anatomy and evolution of the human hand. 1/
Anyone researching the form and function of the hand & its relationship to the evolution of tool use is obliged to cite Marzke's many influential papers from numerous approaches including morphology, biomechanics, & behavioral observations of hand use in primates. 2/
At ASU, Marzke spearheaded an interdisciplinary research training program. Many of us benefited from coursework and lab training in gross anatomy, biomechanics, neurophysiology, bioengineering, 3D imaging, and statistics thanks to Mary’s dedication. 3/
Most importantly, Mary was an exemplary role model for how to be both an academic and a decent human being. She was always kind and endlessly generous with her students. 4/
Mary had a well-balanced life with her husband (also a prof at ASU), kids, and grandkids. As a scientist in a dual-academic marriage & child of my own, she has been a true inspiration for how to live a life of professional contribution & personal grace. 5/
Here’s a video of Mary being interviewed by Alan Alda for a 2003 episode of Scientific American Frontiers. 6/
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