research projects
chimpanzeesWhy do some female chimpanzees form relationships with each other? Why are these relationships rare? And what can they tell us about the evolution of female friendship in humans? To answer these questions, I am studying the behaviour of adult female chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda with the Kibale Chimpanzee Project. I also measure hormones from non-invasively collected urine samples to determine whether social relationships vary with female stress and energy availability. |
black and white colobusWhy do male black and white colobus monkeys behave aggressively toward some infants but tolerate and affiliate with others? Even though females mate with multiple males to confuse paternity, males might be able to use behavioural cues to differentiate between potential offspring and non-offspring. To answer this question, I studied the behaviour of wild black and white colobus monkeys at Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. I used genetic testing from faeces to determine paternity relationships. |
outreach
I prioritize outreach and mentorship for young people in STEM, particularly women, in parallel to my research career. Through UNM's Advancing Women in Science student organization, I've established an outreach project that connects diverse women enrolled in science programs to high school classrooms around Albuquerque, New Mexico. The aim is to lift up young women as leaders in their communities and simultaneously provide visible role models for younger students. I also regularly give presentations for elementary and high school classes around the world where I talk about primatology, anthropology, conservation and careers in science. If you're interested in joining my outreach program at UNM or having myself or a local STEM student visit your classroom, please contact me!
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contact me
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address |
Dept. of Anthropology
University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM, 87131 |
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