# Benjamin E. Sibson Graduate Student ![loading](/sites/g/files/omnuum5851/files/styles/hwp_4_5__480x600/public/skeleton/files/unadjustednonraw_thumb_bab.jpg?itok=f-B7sni8) location\_on Peabody Museum Room 53 G email laptop\_windows [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_TjtNmMAAAAJ&hl=en) Ben's research is focused on investigating the evolution of the human axial musculoskeleton. He develops and tests biomechanical, anatomical, and physiological models using 3D kinematic and kinetic, electromyography, musculoskeletal computer modeling, and medical imaging data. His work includes a combination of lab experiments and field studies of humans around the world to explore how variation in environment and lifestyle affects the musculoskeleton in ways relevant to health and disease. More specifically, Ben's PhD will test 1) how differences in physical activity and subsistence strategy affect trunk muscle endurance and strength, 2) how variation in trunk muscle endurance and strength affects lumbar spine stiffness during carrying, and 3) how variation in trunk muscle endurance and strength affects loading of the lumbar spine during carrying. In addition to his academic work, Ben enjoys hiking in national parks, reading, and playing the guitar.