Integrative Human Biology and the Legler Professorship


Integrative Human Biology (IHB) is an interdisciplinary initiative based in the Departments of Anthropology and Biology. Its purpose is to advance education and research in human form and function, human evolution and biological variation, human behavior, and the roles humans play in local and global ecosystems. These subjects are studied by distinguished faculty in our departments and elsewhere at the U, and they are increasingly understood to bear on a wide range of practical issues of concern to society as a whole.

The initiative is developing an Integrative Human Biology undergraduate major and minor that will help students acquire the broad but rigorous background they will need as professionals in the 21st-century health sciences and many other fields that engage directly with aspects of human adaptation and welfare.

IHB will also host talks and other events to facilitate interaction among researchers and members of the larger community. For a schedule of upcoming events and other information about the program please visit the Integrative Human Biology web site (coming soon).

Professor John Legler joined Biology in 1959 and established the Department's first program in Human Anatomy. He was succeeded by Professor Mark Nielsen. These dedicated and much-admired instructors have been widely recognized for their innovative and effective teaching. In 2009, we are celebrating the first half century of this program by establishing the Legler Professorship in Human Anatomy and a $2M capital campaign to endow this position so that that future generations of undergraduates whose chosen professions involve detailed understanding of the human body will continue to receive instruction from inspired teachers of human anatomy. Contributions to the campaign, as gifts or pledges, will be gratefully accepted and can be made directly to the Legler Professorship fund which is being managed by the University's Office of Development.

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