Research

Current ResearchMy work and lab focus on researching craniofacial variation in modern humans, specifically the internal structures of the face. Using computed tomography, I assess the size and 3D shape of the internal nasal cavity and surrounding paranasal sinuses. By looking at globally distributed populations, I also analyze which factors, such as diverse environmental pressures and/or overall skull shape, play a role in shaping these structures. My ultimate goal is to better understand not only how, but why we vary as a species.

Check out my Projects section for specific projects I’m working on.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

• 2018 Butaric LN, Klocke RP. Nasal variation in relation to high-altitude adaptations among modern humans. American Journal of Human Biology 30:e23104. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.23104
• 2017 Butaric LN, Light LEO, Juengst SL. A call for action: why anthropologists can (and should) join the discussion on climate change through education. American Journal of Human Biology Special Issue: Humans in Marginal Environments. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.23002
• 2017 Maddux SD, Butaric LN. Zygomaticomaxillary morphology and maxillary sinus form and function: How spatial constraints influence pneumatization patterns among modern humans. Anatomical Record Special Issue: Zygomatic Form and Function. Anat Rec 300:209-225.
• 2017 Maddux SD, Butaric LN, Yokley T, Franciscus R. Ecogeographic variation across morphofunctional units of the human nose. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 162:103–119.
• 2016 Butaric LN, Maddux SD. Morphological covariation between the maxillary sinus and midfacial skeleton among sub-Saharan and circumpolar modern humans. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 160: 483-497.
• 2015 Butaric LN. Differential scaling patterns of maxillary sinus volume and nasal cavity breadth among modern humans. Anatomical Record 298:1710-1721.
• 2014 Hammer RD, Butaric LN. Arrested pneumatization with extramedullary hematopoiesis of the clivus/sphenoid simulating metastatic carcinoma. Austin Journal of Anatomy 1:2.
• 2013 Holton NE, Yokley TR, Butaric LN. The morphological interaction between the nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses in living humans. Anatomical Record 296: 414-426.
  Media Coverage for Holton et al. (2013):
  • Science Daily. Nose’s unheralded neighbor: maxillary sinuses allow noses to change shape.
  • CNN.com. Why our noses are different shapes.
• 2010 Butaric LN, McCarthy RC, Broadfield DC. A preliminary 3D computed tomography study of the human maxillary sinus and nasal cavity. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 143:426-436.