I graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology and Anthropology. During my undergraduate studies I completed a literature based project examining the evolution of life history traits in the primates of Madagascar through various theories of island biogeography and the implications for island species conservation.

I recently completed my Masters degree research entitled “Impacts of Forest Fragmentation on the Behavior and Habitat Use Patterns of Mantled Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata).” That research used behavioral and ecological data collection to examine the potential for the mantled howler monkey, Alouatta palliata, to exploit various habitats within a changing ecosystem. It explored the degree to which A. palliata can be considered a flexible species by exploring the potential variation in habitat use patterns of three howler groups within one forest fragment in Costa Rica. The results of my study suggested that fragmentation may have negative impacts on the mantled howler monkeys at La Suerte Biological Field Station, Costa Rica. I found differences in the behavioral and habitat use patterns of study groups in terms of activity budgets, size of home range, and use of habitat types.

I am currently conducting research in CAR that examines the interrelationships between people and forest mammals, with the aim of improving our understanding of the human-animal dynamic and contributing to the development of more effective and nuanced conservation policy and practice. I am examining both cultural and ecological components of anthropogenic practices within the Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Reserve, CAR, through the use of ethnographic interviews, household surveys, and ecological line transect data in order to address the importance of economic, ecological, and symbolic relationships between humans and wildlife.