Sharon Young
Assistant Professor
Bio
Sharon Young is a biological and medical anthropologist interested in human health and wellbeing in evolutionary and cross-cultural perspective with a focus on maternal health and reproductive behaviors. Much of her research has investigated these themes through the study of human maternal placentophagy, a rare but increasingly common practice where some mothers ingest the placenta for purported postpartum benefits. Using a mixed-methods and community-based approach, she seeks to better understand behaviors associated with reproduction including the potential health benefits and risks of these behaviors. She is currently working with academic and community collaborators to explore sources of support and information during pregnancy and postpartum, and issues related to perinatal food security.
- PHD - University of Nevada-Las Vegas (2016)
- MA - University of Nevada-Las Vegas (2010)
- BS - University of California-Riverside (2005)
- University Studies (IGETC) (AA) - Chaffey College (2003)
Medical Anthropology
Darwinian Medicine
Human Reproduction
Nutritional Anthropology
- Sex Differences in Attention and Attitude Toward Infant and Sexual Images, Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2023,
- Ingestion of Steamed and Dehydrated Placenta Capsules Does Not Affect Postpartum Plasma Prolactin Levels or Neonatal Weight Gain: Results from a Randomized, Double-Bind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study., Journal of midwifery & women's health, 2019,
- Effects of placentophagy on maternal salivary hormones: A pilot trial, part 1., Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 2018,
- Placentophagy's effects on mood, bonding, and fatigue: A pilot trial, part 2., Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 2018,
- Human placenta processed for encapsulation contains modest concentrations of 14 trace minerals and elements., Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 2016,
- Presence and concentration of 17 hormones in human placenta processed for encapsulation and consumption., Placenta, 2016,
- Now or later: Peripartum shifts in female sociosexuality, Evolution鈥檚 Empress: How Females Shape Human Adaptation, 2013,
- Human鈥損et dynamics in cross-cultural perspective, Anthrozo枚s, 2011,
- The conspicuous absence of placenta consumption in human postpartum females: the fire hypothesis., Ecology of food and nutrition, 2012,
- In search of human placentophagy: a cross cultural survey of human placenta consumption, disposal and beliefs, Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2010,
- American Anthropological Association
- American Association of Biological Anthropologists
- Human Behavior and Evolution Society
- International Society of Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health