I am the only biological anthropology student currently enrolled in Yale's combined anthropology/environmental studies PhD program. In this highly interdisciplinary PhD program I am advised equally by primate ecologists, environmental anthropologists, and conservation scientists. I have participated in and taught classes on a wide range of topics including: primate evolution, statistical modeling, human biology, wetland ecology and conservation, and multispecies anthropology.I have also independently designed, funded, and carried out my dissertation research and two pilot studies in a remote, understudied area. I have spent a total of 17 months in the Republic of Congo, establishing a research network of local, national, and international collaborators. Over the course of my most recent fieldwork period, I've engaged and supported two Congolese PhD students and one USA undergraduate student as well as trained and supported over 16 local/Indigenous men and women at my research site as research assistants under the phenology project. My research project initiated the first-ever phenological study in this region, using a combination of local ecological knowledge and scientific methods to identify and monitor trees in seasonally flooded swamp habitats. I am also collecting a range of ecological, genetic, ethnographic, and archival data. These data have familiarized me with various scientific and social scientific processes such as the IRB for human subjects research, fecal sample collection and storage methods for genetic sequencing, archival document handling, and ecological sampling designs.

I was selected to work with a small team of students and PI Dr. William Fitzhugh of the Smithsonian's Arctic Studies Center to carry out a yearly survey of Paleoindian and Inuit archaeological sites along the coast of Northeastern Canada.In this position, I aided in site identification, excavation, documentation, and artifact preservation as well as research engagement with local cultural institutions and communities.

Helped re-catalog and digitize the museum’s egg, nest, and bird collections – over 150,000 specimens – and research their associated historical information.Assisted visiting researchers in the location and handling of natural history specimens.Aided in both wet and dry specimen preservation techniques of birds, reptiles, and other skeletal material.

For 8 years I worked as part of Mystic Seaport Museum's Special Demonstration Squad, as an interpretive specialist in maritime history. I participated in the performance and interpretation of traditional maritime skill demonstrations including sail handling on square-rigged ships, whaleboat rowing, anchor setting, rope making, cod fishing, and various other traditional maritime skills.In this position, I gained public education/speaking experience, an understanding of historically accurate archival research, and a dedication to the preservation of traditions and cultures through 'living history.'

Collected behavioral and ecological data on a population of wild Bornean orangutans.Collected and processed biological urine, fecal, and plant samples for dietary, hormonal, genetic, and microbiome laboratory analyses.Worked 12-14 hour days in remote peat-swamp conditions and with an entirely international team of Indonesian field assistants and research student.

As an intern for the primate department of the Como Zoo in Saint Paul, MN, I designed and implemented enrichment landscapes for the various primate species housedat the zoo and was responsible for dietary preparation and enclosure upkeep for all primates. During my time in this position, I designed and implemented an independent observational study on the zoo’s two blue-eyed black lemurs, establishing a customized ethogram, co-developing an improved lemur management/breeding plan with zookeepers, and engaging in visitor education during the study period.