I am a PhD student working with Dr. Joel Brown (UIC) and Dr. Lance Miller (Brookfield Zoo) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I received my B.S. in biology from University of North Carolina at Wilmington and my masters in zoology from Miami University.
I am particularly interested in behavioral ecology, focusing on the application of a species' natural ecology to improve welfare of zoo-housed animals. The controlled environment combined with the vast range of animals housed in zoos provides a unique opportunity to expand our understanding of reproductive mechanisms, foraging behavior, and how animals interact and perceive their environment. Behavioral research is a non-invasive and in-expensive tool that can improve basic knowledge of species, provide welfare indicators on an individualized basis, and allow for managers to make informed decisions. The collaboration between zoo and field researchers provides a vital opportunity to enhance a basic understanding of species' ecology and improve both conservation efforts in the wild and welfare of animals in zoos. |