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Laura Simone Lewis

Welcome!

I am a biological anthropologist and comparative psychologist who explores how humans and other great apes

have evolved to

form, maintain, and deepen our

social relationships.

I am currently a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in

the Department of Psychology at the

University of California, Berkeley

I will be starting as an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in July 2025

Click here for a copy of my CV

Research

As humans, we have extraordinary social abilities that are at the core of our evolutionary success. How have we become so adept at navigating such complex social environments? And have our great ape cousins evolved to navigate their social worlds in similar ways?

These questions are at the heart of my research program. I use non-invasive eye tracking technology and behavioral methods with humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos living around the world to explore the developmental and evolutionary pathways that have shaped our

deeply social worlds.

Click here to learn more

Press

Image created for social media share to promote Jonathan Van Ness’ podcast. In this case, the podcast’s episode is an interview to Dr. Laura Simone Lewis. The image shows headshots of Jonathan Van Ness and Dr. Laura Simone Lewis with a title on top that says “Who are the fab five of the great ape family?”

Getting Curious Podcast with Jonathan Van Ness Part 1

A super fun and energetic interview with Jonathan Van Ness where we talk all about our great ape cousins and primate family tree!

Two chimps grooming each other

Front page coverage in the New York Times of my research exploring long-term social memory in chimpanzees and bonobos

Two bonobos hugging

Washington Post

Washington Post article on my work uncovering long-term social memory in chimpanzees and bonobos

Bonobo lying down with lips orange from eating clay

National Geographic

National Geographic article about my research investigating long-term social memory in bonobos and chimpanzees

Two chimps sitting side by side

National Public Radio (NPR)

NPR coverage of my research exploring long-term social memory in chimpanzees and bonobos

Image created for social media share to promote Jonathan Van Ness’ podcast. In this case, the podcast’s episode is a second interview to Dr. Laura Simone Lewis. The image shows headshots of Jonathan Van Ness and Dr. Laura Simone Lewis over a colorful background with stars.

Getting Curious Podcast with Jonathan Van Ness Part 2

A second lively interview with Jonathan Van Ness where do a deep dive into the lives of chimpanzees and bonobos

Photograph of a chimpanzee facing

Of Attention and the Great Apes

An interview with the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences about my research on social attention in great apes

Scientist on the Subway Interview, Columbia University

An interview with Scientist on the Subway, a blog by Columbia University Neuroscience Outreach that highlights the trajectories of scientists from underrepresented backgrounds

YouTube Channel

My YouTube channel features a few examples of virtual talks I have given at international conferences

Get in touch

I'm always excited to hear about new projects and opportunities, so don't hesitate to reach out!

Laura Lewis

UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow

2121 Berkeley Way

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA
94704

lauralewis[at]berkeley.edu

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