Sasha Winkler, PhD

Postdoctoral Researcher at Duke University

Hello! I am an animal behavior scientist studying social behavior and cognition in primates. I completed my PhD in Biological Anthropology from UCLA, where my dissertation research focused on play and laughter and their implications for the evolution of vocal communication, social relationships, animal emotions, and learning. I currently conduct research with baboons, bonobos, dogs, and humans using a variety of observational and experimental methods. Check out the links below to learn more about my research.

Affiliations:
Pontzer Lab - starting June 2025!
Visiting Research Scholar at Indiana University Bloomington, COMPARE Lab |
Research Affiliate at Johns Hopkins University, Social and Cognitive Origins Lab