Delaney Knorr, Ph.D.

About Me

I'm a biological anthropologist researching maternal health during the perinatal period

Evolution has shaped human pregnancy to balance the needs of both mother and developing fetus. My research focuses on the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, including alterations to maternal metabolic and immune systems, and how modern lifestyles and sociopolitical environments can tip the balance and contribute to disease.

I am currently a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University.

Click here for my CV.

Research Projects

Currently, I am working in the Pontzer lab at Duke University on questions of metabolic limits of human pregnancy. We evaluate the physiological trade-offs within a limited energy budget and how these trade-offs may impact maternal-fetal health.

I completed my doctoral training at UCLA where I worked with several cohorts of Latina mothers to explore how stress from systemic inequities can impact perinatal health, including the relationship of psychological distress (depression/anxiety) and placental physiology. I also investigate the importance of social relationships to buffer stress during the perinatal period.

Stress Embodiment During Pregnancy

Perinatal Social Support

Novel Measures of the Placenta

Metabolic Limits of Pregnancy

Evolutionary Considerations of Chronic Diseases

Broader Impacts (Community Resource Projects)

Supporting Latina Mothers Project and Resource Webpage

Founder of the Supporting Mothers Project (Apoyando a Las Madres Latinas), which is a qualitative interview project and a resource webpage that houses of a wide-range of perinatal health and parenting resources catering specifically to a Latina audience.

"Meaning of Race" Courses and Resource Guides

Developed and led several iterations of a workshop aimed at Los Angeles middle school and high school teachers to approach the evolution from a place that acknowledges racism and racist histories of science, while trying to face misconceptions head-on.

UCLA Biological Anthropology DEI Working Group

I co-founded this group with other graduate students to take forward-looking action toward making amends for the harm biological anthropology has committed

Let's connect! Send me an email: delaney dot knorr at duke dot edu

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