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Zachary Mayne

  • Graduate Student

My research interests span several topics in the philosophy of biology and general philosophy of science. Within philosophy of biology, my interests include the conceptual and mathematical foundations of evolutionary theory; evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) and the ‘extended evolutionary synthesis’ (EES); evolutionary accounts of proper function and mental content; and conceptual aspects of scientific practice in developmental biology and neurobiology. Within general philosophy of science, my interests include causal explanation, interpretations of probability, and pragmatist approaches toward a scientific metaphysics and epistemology.

Before coming to Pitt HPS, I earned a B.S. in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University. I also studied notochord development in the Merzdorf lab and completed a two-summer research fellowship through the Society for Developmental Biology’s ‘Choose Development!’ program.