Research Interests
I’m Doctoral Candidate in Biological Anthropology at the University of Oregon (B.A., Marquette University, 2007; M.S., University of Oregon 2009).
I am specifically interested in how economic development alters parasite exposure and how this change contributes to the development of autoimmune disorders. I am interested in combining technologies from microbiology, genetics, and anthropology in order to understand the role that bacterial and helminth exposure plays in normal human immune function. Other research interests include endocrine and cardiovascular health, psychosocial stress, climatic adaptation, skeletal biology and physical activity.
Research Projects
Shuar Health and Life History Project
Metabolic Adaptation and Health Change Among Indigenous Siberians
Cepon Field Laboratory for stool sample processing, preservation and helminth identification. (Copyright 2012 by Tara J. Cepon)
Roundworm egg at 40x magnification. (Copyright 2012 by Tara J. Cepon)
