CHES is home to a diverse team of internationally recognized scientists devoted to expanding our understanding of human evolution through research, education, and outreach.CHES is home to a diverse team of internationally recognized scientists devoted to expanding our understanding of human evolution through research, education, and outreach.

Our mission at the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies is to promote and support innovative and broad ranging faculty and student research that is grounded in evolutionary theory and explores the past and present of what it means to be human. Your contribution will support research in paleoanthropology, archeology, non-human primate behavioral ecology, genetics, and modern behavior across the globe, from New Jersey to Kenya, from Iceland to Indonesia.

We invite you to make a gift and make a difference to SAS students and faculty by supporting one of the following dedicated annual funds:

  • Zelnick Award FundEach year this award supports the pre-dissertation research of one or two second-year graduate students.
  • CHES Endowment FundAwards are granted annually to support individual faculty and graduate student research.
  • CHES Gift FundCHES operating and administrative expenses. 

You can support this program by making a secure online donation.

Our vision for the future includes the establishment of new endowed professorships and graduate student fellowships to enhance our ability to recruit the best faculty and graduate students to our program.

To learn more about these and other exciting giving opportunities, please contact the School of Arts and Sciences Development Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..