Department of Primatology
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Deutscher Platz 6
04103 Leipzig
phone: +49 (341) 3550 - 200
fax: +49 (341) 3550 - 299
Education
2016 | University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Ph.D., Integrative and Evolutionary Biology Dissertation Title: A Genetic Investigation of Chimpanzee Distribution and Dispersal in the Fragmented Budongo-Bugoma Corridor Landscape, Uganda |
2007 | Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA M.S., Experimental Psychology, Specialization: Primate Behavior Thesis Title: Use of Gesture Sequences in Captive Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Play |
2002 | Boston University, Boston, MA B.A., Psychology, Summa Cum Laude with |
Relevant Professional Experience
2013–2015 | Guest Researcher |
2010, 2011, 2012–2013 | Research Team Leader University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Led a PhD research team during data collection in Uganda. Trained field assistants and coordinated data collection. |
2005, 2006, 2008 | Apprentice Research Team Leader Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA Developed and led research from inception through completion. Created syllabi for team learning objectives. Trained apprentices on research, chimpanzee husbandry, and safety. Supervised research teams on data collection and analysis. Led weekly research meetings. |
2007 | Field Research Assistant |
2006–2007 | Animal Technician Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA Operated hydraulic door system to invite chimpanzees between enclosures. Supervised students on husbandry and care. Supervised daily building maintenance and safety. Made daily decisions concerning the chimpanzees’ diet and enrichment. |
2006–2007 | Educational Liaison Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA Supervised docent volunteers. Educated visitors on chimpanzees. |
2006 | Graduate Student Researcher Central Washington University, Biodiversity and Conservation Field School, Huangshan, China Led a study on behavioral sequences between Tibetan macaques and humans at an ecotourist site. Assisted in surveys of amphibian species. |
2004–2006 | Graduate Assistant Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA Led research projects. Assisted with instruction on chimpanzee care internship. Trained Earthwatch Institute volunteers on chimpanzee husbandry. |
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Lecturer | |
2009 | Introductory Psychology, Yakima Valley Community College |
2008–2009 | Introductory Psychology, Statistics, Laboratory Research in Primatology, and Current Issues in Primatology, Central Washington University |
Teaching Assistant | |
2009–2012 | Origins of Humanity, University of Southern California |
2004, 2005 | Intro to Primate Laboratory Procedures, Central Washington |
2002 | Psychology of Perception, Boston University |
Lecturer | |
2002, 2004–2009 | Chimposium/Advanced Chimposium education programs, Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA |
Guest Course Lecturer | |
2016 | Great Ape Conservation lecture, The Leipzig School of Human Origins, Leipzig, Germany |
2015 | PanAfrican Programme and Great Ape Conservation lectures, The Leipzig School of Human Origins, Leipzig, Germany |
2014 | Great Ape Conservation lecture, The Leipzig School of Human Origins, Leipzig, Germany |
2014 | Bridge Seminar, Behavioral Ecology in Primates, University of Leipzig |
2014 | Primatology Department Seminar, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany |
2012 | The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience course, University of Southern California |
2008 | Pongid Behavior course, Central Washington University |
2004 | Introductory Psychology course, Central Washington University |
2003 | Primate Behavioral Adaptations course, Boston University |
Invited Speaker | |
2015 | Human Evolution Lunch Lectures Series, Aarhus University, Denmark |
2014 | The Chimpanzee-Human Interface, Symposium at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany |
2011 | Primate Awareness Week, Central Washington University |
2010 | The Real Life of a Chimpanzee. TEDxTrousdale, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA |
Grants and Fellowships
2015 | Ralph and Jean Hovel Fellowship, University of Southern California |
2013–2014 | Research Enhancement Fellowship, University of Southern California |
2013–2014 | DAAD Research Grant |
2013 | James F. Nacey Fellowship, Nacey Maggioncalda Foundation |
2012 | American Society of Primatologists Conservation Small Grant |
2012 | Primate Conservation, Inc. Grant |
2009–2014 | Dornsife Doctoral Fellowship, University of Southern California |
2006 | Graduate Student Summer Research Grant, Central Washington University |
2006, 2007 | Student Travel Grants, Central Washington University Office of Graduate Studies and Research |
2004–2006 | Graduate Assistantship, Central Washington University |
Volunteer Experience
2014– Present | Project Advisor |
2014 | Symposium Co-Organizer and Moderator The Chimpanzee-Human Interface, Symposium at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany |
2010 | Volunteer Educator Jane Goodall Institute, Roots and Shoots Passport to Peace, World Peace Day, Santa Monica, CA |
2003–2004 | Project Volunteer |
2002 | Summer Apprentice Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA |