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 Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthroplogy, Leipzig, Germany Conducted PhD research in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory under the advisement of Dr. Linda Vigilant and completed PhD thesis research analyses.
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 Oxford University, Kasokwa Forest Reserve, Masindi District, Uganda Assisted in a study of the effects of human disturbance on chimpanzees. Collected behavioral data and biological samples on a chimpanzee community. Assisted in surveys of tree and amphibian species.
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 Office of Graduate Studies and Research
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 Bulindi Chimpanzee and Community Project, Bulindi, Uganda
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 Great Ape World Heritage Species Project, Cambridge, MA
2002	Summer Apprentice Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Ellensburg, WA