His interests focus on the climatic and dietary changes that drove human evolution with special emphasis on the African Stone Age from the tropical zone. Dr. Mercader's current research concentrates on a multidisciplinary assessment of ancient environments, diet, subsistence, and technological stability and change in East Africa. Over the years, he has also studied a diversity of archaeological sites in Central, West, and Southern Africa. Dr. Mercader has overseen field and laboratory work in multiple contexts, ranging from undergraduate field schools to highly technical laboratory set-ups