M. Kathleen Pitirri, Ph.D.

Professional Bio

M. Kathleen Pitirri was a postdoctoral scholar in the Skeletal Morphogenetics Analysis Laboratory from 2018-2022. She received her Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto where her research focused on increasing our understanding of primate and human evolution by improving approaches to studying fossil mandibular fragments. She joined the Skeletal Morphogenetics Analysis Laboratory to understand the complex relationship between the cartilaginous and bony aspects of the developing skull to help answer important questions regarding the evolution of the skull in vertebrates. Kathy died on Sept 19, 2022, after a valiant fight with cancer. Kathy was a post doc, mother, hiker, sister, sports-enthusiast, scientist, world-traveler, daughter, esteemed colleague, coffee connoisseur, and friend extraordinaire. Kathy lived a life of kindness and compassion, and it is in that spirit that we have established the M. Kathleen Pitirri Pinch Point Fund, otherwise known as the P3 fund. Visit this site to learn more about Kathy and about this fund to support post-docs and graduate students in need.