Ben Trumble, PhD  

Associate Professor, Arizona State University

trumble@asu.edu

My research examines how environmental conditions like parasites, pathogens, food availability, and social interactions impact human health. Taking an evolutionary life history perspective, I use field and laboratory studies to understand variation in human endocrine and immune systems, and how these factors interact to influence chronic diseases of aging including benign prostatic hyperplasia, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s dementia. I co-direct the Tsimane Health and Life History Project. When not in the lab or in the field, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and playing with my dog Ace (short for the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 [ACE2] receptor), and my cats Widget and Frodo.

Carrie Jenkins, PhD

Research Specialist/Lab Manager

carrie.jenkins@asu.edu

I am a Senior Research Specialist in the Center for Evolution and Medicine at Arizona State University, serving as the laboratory manager in the Trumble lab. My research interests focus on bacterial infectious diseases and their subsequent lifelong effects. I have a broad background in microbiology, tissue culture, inflammatory biomarkers, cognitive aging, brain atrophy, and cardiovascular disease. I earned my Ph.D. in the Heather D. Bean Lab at ASU, where I used gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to develop breath biomarkers for S. aureus. In my spare time, I like to sew, ride bikes and I’m fascinated by puzzles.

 

Jacob Negrey, PhD

Postdoctoral Scholar

Jacob.Negrey@asu.edu

I’m a biological anthropologist and primatologist studying the ecological underpinnings of ill health and aging. I combine data on behavior, noninvasive biomarkers, microbes, and ambient variables to better understand interactions between environment and physiology. I’m also interested in similarities and differences between human and nonhuman primate biology; much of my work has focused on the Ngogo chimpanzees of Kibale National Park, Uganda.

 

Audrey Dervarics

Graduate Student, School of Human Evolution and Social Change

I am a graduate student in the Global Health program at ASU interested in biocultural anthropology and evolutionary public health. I am fascinated by how the human body encodes its surrounding environment, both physical and built, and this relationship’s connection to chronic diseases. When not consumed by grad school, I enjoy going for walks, playing volleyball and watching tv.

 

Sophia Balasubramanian

Masters Student, School of Life Sciences

 

Caden Elizalde

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student

I am an Arizona State University undergraduate honors student double majoring in biology and global health. I am a researcher for the Trumble Lab working on the Tsimane Health and Life History Project. I have an interest in evolutionary medicine and am currently working on a paper looking at the association between LP(a) and atherosclerosis among the Tsimane indigenous people. I plan to graduate in 2024 and pursue a Ph.D. Outside of the lab, I am a trombone player in the ASU marching band, and enjoy playing football and D&D with my friends.

 

Amy Le

I am a second-year undergraduate honors student studying Biological Sciences with a focus in Biomedical Sciences at Arizona State University. I am currently assisting with the Tsimane Health and Life History Project. I have interests in evolutionary medicine and behavioral neuroscience. I plan to complete a Physician Assistant program after receiving my undergraduate degree. In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, watching movies, and hanging out with friends.

 

Lindsey Reed

I am a first-year undergraduate at Arizona State University in Psychology with an emphasis on Biological Sciences. I am currently an undergraduate research volunteer in the Trumble laboratory working on the Tsimane Health and Life History Project. I have interests in evolutionary medicine, along with developmental and clinical psychology. I presently plan to pursue a career in medicine or psychology after earning my undergraduate degree. I currently compete on Arizona State’s Cross Country and Track teams. In my free time I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with friends.

Previous Lab Members:

Angela R Garcia (Postdoctoral Scholar)

Stephanie Koebele (Postdoctoral Scholar)

Sam Patterson (Grad Student)

Mia Charifson (Grad Student)

Kate Woolard (Grad Student)

Katelyn Dinkel (Undergraduate Student)