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Research
My training across the natural and social sciences has led to diverse research experiences and methodological training. Read a bit about my current & past work below.
Primate Projects
In order to holistically understand this conservation issue, my project drew from social network analysis and life history theory to understand how age, sex, and social relationships influence macaques' tendency to interact with people along the road. I also collected data on the patterns and frequency of people's interactions with the macaques and conducted interviews with area residents to understand their motivation for interacting with wild monkeys. Data from this project was shared with the national park to help better understand and manage the causes and conservation implications of human-macaque interactions.
Results from this research have been presented at San Diego State University, University of Georgia, Universitas Nasional Indonesia, American Society of Primatologists, and the International Congress for Conservation Biology.
I am thrilled that there have been multiple outreach opportunities associated with this project. While in the field, I collaborated with my supervisors and colleagues at Roma Tre University to design conservation education infographics about moor macaque behavior and ecology. Some of these designs have since been used on updated signs along the road in the monkeys' home range. With support from the Graduate School at the University of Georgia I am returning back to South Sulawesi this summer to further communicate the results of our research and work with local schools to implement conservation-oriented English language lessons.
Causes & Conservation Implications of Human-Moor Macaque (Macaca maura) Interaction in South Sulawesi, Indonesia
For my Master's thesis research I spent 7 months doing fieldwork under Dr. Erin P. Riley and Dr. Ngakan Putu Oka in Bantimurung-Bulusaurang National Park in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This project focused on a group of endemic, endangered moor macaque monkeys that had, at the time, only recently begun interacting with people along the road that intersects their home range. These interactions posed risks for the macaques and people.
Primates in Film
While at San Diego State University I collaborated with two other students to contribute to The International Encyclopedia of Primatology. Our literature-based research critically summarized representations of nonhuman primates in entertainment and documentary films. This project drew attention to welfare and conservation issues inherent in use of primates in entertainment media, and discussed the educational value of different documentary styles.
Skilled Tool Use by Bearded Capuchin Monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus)
I joined this project as an undergraduate research assistant in the Primate Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Georgia. Using high-resolution videos taken in Fazenda Boa Vista, Brazil, we examined the process of capuchin monkey stone tool use. These monkeys use large stone tools to crack nuts, and our project aimed to assess the extent to which skill influences patterns and success of primate tool use.
Results from this project were recently published in the American Journal of Primatology. We were excited to learn our article was chosen as the featured article for March 2019! Check out the paper here. Photo by Luca Antonio Marino.
Other Research
Graduate Training
for Interdisciplinary Team Science
I am currently working as a project lead on a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project examining the pedagogy of team science in interdisciplinary contexts. We are interviewing fellow PhD students on their experiences in a team-science based course. This project will contribute to the literature on team science and interdisciplinary training and also provide a formal course evaluation to the Integrative Conservation program.
The Palm Oil Project @ UGA
Agricultural expansion for palm oil production is a major issue for primate conservation in Indonesia. With support from the UGA Office of Sustainability I recently launched The Palm Oil Project @ UGA. This multi-faceted project aims to assess (1) where non-certified sustainable palm oil exists in UGA's dining and vending products and (2) student awareness of palm oil sustainability issues. Several undergraduate students have been involved in this research and are continuing research efforts in coming semesters.
POP@UGA
To discuss possible work let's talk >>
We use findings from our student assessment research to inform social media and direct outreach approaches, with the goal of raising student awareness of palm oil sustainability issues and contributing to UGA's culture of sustainability. Palm oil production is a complex conservation issue, and we strive to engage with the nuances of these complexities. The Palm Oil Project @ UGA does not endorse a complete boycott of palm oil products. Check out a spotlight on our project here, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter!
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