Past Research & Wildlife Experience
Mara Hyena Project - 2013-2020
From 2013-2014 I worked for Dr. Kay Holekamp on the Mara Hyena Project as a Research Assistant. Based in the Mara Triangle I collected daily observational behavioral data on spotted hyenas. While in the field, I also developed my research ideas and applied for a PhD position at Michigan State University to study hyenas. I conducted my PhD research between 2014 and 2020 (which included a 1.5 year field season where I collected data using the multi-access puzzle box and the cylinder test to measure innovation and inhibitory control). |
Memphis Zoo - 2012-2013
As an intern at the Memphis Zoo I investigated the applicability of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to discriminating the sex and species of leopards. We aimed to develop this as a tool that could be taken directly to the field to obtain real-time information on leopard populations even where species may overlap such as for Amur and Snow leopards. To do we used a portable NIRS device that can be taken directly to the field. Instead of traditional methods for preparing fecal samples, we used methods that could be replicated in the field: we dried fecal samples in conventional oven and prepared them for scanning using a coffee grinder. Ultimately, we were able to distinguish between species and sex with over 80% accuracy for most models which means the fNIRS may be a very promising tool for leopard conservation in the future! |
Equine Research Foundation - 2010
As an intern at the Equine Research Foundation in July 2010 I helped researchers Dr. Evenlyn Hanggi and Jerry Ingersoll test lateral vision in horses. I also learned all about positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning. Hanggi, E. B. and Ingersoll, J.F. (2012). Lateral vision in horses: A behavioral investigation. Behavioural Processes, 91(1), 70-76. DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2012.05.009. |