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The hominin fossil record is characterized by a remarkable amount of morphological variability. Although evolutionary processes have clearly acted to shape this diversity, studies of the underlying cause have been limited, with little attention given to non-adaptive (genetic drift and gene flow) scenarios in traditional palaeoanthropology. In this talk, I discuss two areas of my research program that aims to understand how non-adaptive processes have contributed to our evolution. Dr. Lauren Schroeder is an Assistant Professor in Biological Anthropology at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She holds a PhD in Palaeoanthropology from the University of Cape Town, and joined UofT after completing a postdoctoral appointment in evolutionary morphology at the University at Buffalo. Her research involves the application of evolutionary quantitative genetics approaches to reconstruct the evolutionary processes underlying the variation in cranial and mandibular hominin fossil remains. She has previously been involved in both the Malapa (Australopithecus sediba) and Rising Star (Homo naledi) projects as part of the research team studying the fossil hominin discoveries from these sites. In addition to her research, Dr. Schroeder is dedicated to efforts related to equity and inclusivity in biological anthropology, specifically the goal of creating a more welcoming and supportive academic space for scholars from racialized and diverse backgrounds.