| General Area of Research |
Basic Research: Ethology/Behavioral Ecology; mating systems, social
dominance in mammals; social dynamics in cooperative breeding species; effects of
ectoparasites on behavior; reproductive and adrenal endocrinology
Applied Research: Behavior of animals in captivity; effects of
changes in captive environments on behavior and stress physiology; assessment of
well-being; husbandry research; personality assessment in animals; using genetic
and demographic analysis to manage populations of animals
|
Description of Current Research |
- Characterization of behavior and social dynamics in captive and free ranging takin
antelope
- Behavior of giant pandas in captivity
- Genetic and demographic management of feral horse populations on barrier islands
|
| Student Opportunities |
|
Essential and Desirable Background Knowledge and Skills |
Essential: previous coursework in animal behavior and statistics,
skilled in Microsoft Excel, ability to critically review literature, develop hypotheses
and predictions
Desirable: familiarity with statistical analysis programs, especially
randomization tests; experience with experimental design and analysis of behavioral
data.
|
|
Expected Responsibilities |
Depends on the project; not accepting students for projects listed under
“Current research” but open to design of new projects using Bronx Zoo mammal collection
or field studies. Multi-disciplinary studies highly encouraged. |
|
Expected Benefits |
Development of skills in all aspects of animal behavior research
|