NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

John Berry, Director

The National Zoological Park's (NZP) "urban campus" occupies 163 acres in Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park and contains an exhibit collection of more than 380 species (2,179+ specimens) of vertebrates and invertebrates, and a large inventory of native and exotic plants. NZP’s "rural campus" is the Conservation and Research Center (CRC) - 3,200 acres of pastures, forests and meadows in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Virginia. CRC is an off-exhibit facility dedicated to conservation research, training and education, and is NZP’s hub for a wide range of regional, national, and international conservation programs.

Science is fully integrated into the National Zoological Park’s conservation, education, exhibit and outreach mission with internationally recognized science programs in the fields of comparative pathology, animal behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology, animal nutrition, reproductive physiology, comparative veterinary medicine, population genetics, conservation biology, and applied conservation. Facilities available to students and visiting researchers include a veterinary hospital and pathology lab, nutrition, GIS, radiotelemetry, reproductive physiology and sound analysis labs, libraries, conference facilities, and at CRC, housing for visiting researchers. The National Zoological Park also has field sites in California, Gabon, southeastern Brazil, Sri Lanka, northern Myanmar, and the eastern Mojave Desert. Research affiliation with NZP also entitles researchers access to other Smithsonian Institution staff, facilities and resources in an enormous range of disciplines.

DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HEALTH

The basic function of the Department of Animal Health is the delivery of a total health care program to the National Zoological Park's animal collection. The medical care program includes quarantine screening, regular physical examinations, preventative medicine and dentistry, intensive care and a complete surgical program. The clinical nutrition program involves evaluating and modifying animal diets for adequate nutrition, implementing quality-assurance measures to ensure adequate food handling, storage and diet preparation, conducting laboratory analyses of feedstuffs for nutritional evaluation and offering nutritional advice. Animal Health staff maintain a wide network of local, national and international specialist consultants.

Training opportunities include preceptorships, open to senior veterinary students, and residencies of varying durations for veterinarians and students from the US and abroad. Veterinary staff also conduct formal training courses at local universities and overseas zoos and give many presentations and lectures to professional and lay audiences. The veterinary research program consists primarily of applied clinical studies that result in improved medical and surgical care of collection animals. Current research areas include the physiological evaluation of restraint and anesthesia in exotic species; drug pharmacokinetics; evaluations of new ultrasonography, laparoscopy, and endoscopy procedures in exotic animals; and radiological evaluation of diseases in exotics.

ANIMAL NUTRITION

The NZP Animal Nutrition Division is responsible for getting the right food to the right animals at the right time both at the Zoo’s Rock Creek campus in Washington, D.C. and the Conservation and Research Center (CRC) in Front Royal, Virginia. The Animal Nutrition Division staff, consisting of a Supervisory Animal Nutritionist, an Animal Nutritionist, a Commissary Manager, four Animal Keepers, and a Management Support Specialist, operates out of a 4,750 square-foot facility at the General Services Building and from the Department of Conservation Biology Building, both at the Rock Creek campus. By implementing innovative approaches and practices, we enable animals to live happier and healthier lives, we serve as a role model and resource for zoos worldwide, and we educate the public about all aspects of animal nutrition. Worldwide, the NZP Animal Nutrition Division will be respected as a global leader in applied animal nutrition.

Training opportunities include internships, open to undergraduates with a minimum of two years of completed relevant course work, and residencies of varying durations for post-graduate students. Staff provides lectures to local universities related to animal nutrition, nutrition management and nutrition program logistics. Applied animal nutrition is the current focus of research efforts directed by this group to address current challenges of and advance nutrition management of species maintain in zoo collections worldwide.

DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY

Staff of the Department of Pathology not only determine the causes of death and elucidate disease processes occurring in the NZP’s collection, but also conduct basic and applied research on disease etiology and management in captive and wild animals. Facilities and resources include a full-service laboratory, a necropsy suite, a computerized pathology data bank and an extensive archive of frozen and fixed tissues, color transparencies and glass slides illustrating pathological conditions of wildlife and zoo animals. Staff affiliations with the pathology departments at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology afford opportunities for collaborative research and postdoctoral programs. The Department also houses the National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory testing captive elephants nationwide for EEHV.

Currently, major research at the Department of Pathology includes viral diseases of elephants and primates, mycobacterial (TB) diseases of ungulates, marsupials and birds, storage diseases, renal disease of reptiles, incidence of neoplasia in exotic felids, and nutritional diseases of bats.

ANIMAL PROGRAMS

Curators and staff manage the living collections, develop and maintain exhibits, and conduct and coordinate collections-based research. Research emphases include: improving exotic animal husbandry, propagating and managing small populations, developing ex-situ conservation programs (including reintroduction programs) and conducting life history studies.

In recent years, the curatorial staff has conducted field studies and training programs in China, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia. Pre- and postdoctoral students often collaborate in these studies.

CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH CENTER

The National Zoo's Conservation and Research Center is located on 3,200 acres of forests and meadow in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Virginia, but it also has offices and support facilities at the Zoo in Washington, DC. A Spatial Analysis Lab at the Center has the tools needed to work with satellite imagery and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to conduct quantitative spatial analyses and produce maps for visualization of landscapes at varying scales. Fenced paddocks and indoor holding facilities accommodate large ungulates, carnivores, small mammals, and birds. These facilities allow for well-designed studies on captive animals to enhance field studies and conservation efforts. A modern veterinary hospital serves clinical research and training in wildlife medical techniques and supports care of research collections. State-of-the-art reproductive physiology laboratories undertake research and training in wildlife endocrinology, gamete biology and embryology. Facilities in Washington, DC include an exceptionally well-equipped Nutrition Lab.

CRC is one of the world’s leading centers for integrating multiple approaches to conservation (e.g., long-term field studies; captive studies; and capacity building, including on-going/long-term professional collaborations; environmental education; a suite of conservation-based training courses; and development of conservation policies based on on-the-ground information and experience).The Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program targets areas where biodiversity is poorly known and biological data are needed to assist in making sound decisions regarding development of natural resources.

The facilities in Virginia and the District of Columbia serve as the hub for a broad array of regional, national, and international programs. CRC’s programs blend together diverse disciplines - ecology, behavior, biodiversity assessment and monitoring, population and molecular genetics, nutrition, reproductive biology, veterinary medicine, and environmental education, law and policy. The research and conservation endeavors of CRC scientists are often species-focused, but many target conservation issues in a country, region or habitat, or questions of basic evolutionary biology. Projects encompass both terrestrial and marine vertebrates (birds, mammals & reptiles) and a wide range of habitats (temperate and tropical forests, agricultural lands, deserts, and coastal and oceanic regions – from subpolar to tropical).

Examples of current projects include:

• Estimating population size and extra-pair fertilization rates in kit foxes from DNA
• Winter ecology, distribution, and habitat use of the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala
• The relationship of foraging choice to plant nutritional composition in desert tortoises
• Developing conservation strategies for large carnivores in Asia
• Managing two critical elephant ranges in Myanmar
• Investigating the causes of infertility in captive African elephants
• Ecological plasticity and neophobia: A comparison of mallards and black ducks
• Alternative mating tactics of male grey seals
• Developing assisted reproductive technologies in the black-footed ferret, clouded leopard, Eld's deer and Spanish raptors
• Studying the physiological mechanisms of reproductive suppression in the meerkats of the Kalahari
• Integrated conservation research for giant pandas
• Monitoring and assessment of biodiversity at sites in Africa, South America and Canada
  

SMITHSONIAN MIGRATORY BIRD CENTER

Unique in its focus on migratory birds and its combination of research, education and training, and policy work, the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) is dedicated to fostering greater understanding, appreciation, and protection of the grand phenomenon of bird migration. Drawing on an interactive and interdisciplinary approach, the SMBC’s proactive work bridges the academic, policy-making, and public worlds to coordinate efforts to protect habitats on which migrant birds depend. Whether focusing on global climate change’s impact on avian communities, the challenges birds face in urban ecosystems, adaptation of birds to specific ecological conditions, the degree to which managed lands (e.g., shade coffee farms) might serve as supplemental habitat or the impact of emerging infectious diseases on avian populations, the SMBC staff stretch their research and education efforts across continents to realize its mission. SMBC scientists share an intense interest in basic questions about the evolution and ecology of migratory species and migration systems. Persons with strong interests in avian ecology or innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to bird research are encouraged to contact SMBC staff.

INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE PROPOSAL REVIEW

The National Zoological Park has a standing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Review for animal welfare concerns and approval of any animal procedures by this committee must occur before a fellowship can be awarded. Applicants who wish to conduct research at the National Zoological Park must submit their proposals for review by one of NZP's standing Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). Field research and proposals to study animals at NZP's Conservation and Research Center will be reviewed by the IACUC at this Center, but proposals to work with animals at NZP facilities in Washington D.C will be reviewed by the Washington DC IACUC. Review for animal welfare concerns and approval of procedures by one of these committees must occur before a fellowship can be awarded. Applicants should contact Michael Jakubasz, Lab Manger, e-mail Jakubaszm at si.edu, to request the necessary form.

RESEARCH STAFF

ALONSO, Alfonso, Conservation Biologist, SI/MAB Program. B.S. (1988) Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; M.S. (1991), Ph.D. (1996) University of Florida. Research specialties: Applying conservation biology principles in oil, gas, and mineral development projects; developing management plans for ex-situ and in-situ biodiversity conservation.

BALLOU, Jonathan D., Population Manager; Head, Dept. Conservation Biology. B.A. (1977) University of Virginia; M.S. (1985) George Washington University; Ph.D. (1995) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Conservation biology; population biology; population genetics.

BROWN, Janine L., Reproductive Physiologist, Department of Reproductive Sciences. B.A. (1977) North Dakota State University; M.S. (1980), Ph.D. (1984) Washington State University. Research specialties: Comparative reproductive endocrinology; pituitary and testicular function; reproductive cyclicity and seasonality; reproduction in elephants, felids and rhinos.

COMIZZOLI, Pierre, Staff Scientist. D.V.M. (1994) Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort, France; M.Sc (1997) University of Paris VI, France; Ph.D. (2000) University of Tours, France. Research specialties: Reproductive physiology and biotechnologies in Ruminants and Carnivores.

CROSIER, Adrienne, Research Associate. B.S. (1996); Ph.D. (2001) North Carolina State University. Research specialties: Understanding basic and comparative wildlife reproductive physiology and implementation of assisted reproductive technologies.

DALLMEIER, Francisco, Head, Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability, NZP. B.A. (1977) Central University of Venezuela; M.S. (1984), Ph.D. (1986) Colorado State University. Research specialties: Conservation Biology, Sustainable Development, Integrating Biodiversity Conservation into Energy Development; Profesional Training and Education in Conservation and Sustainability.

DEEM, Sharon, Research Associate. B.S. (1985) Virginia Tech; D.V.M. (1988) Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Ph.D. (1994) University of Florida. Research specialties: Infectious diseases of captive and free-living wildlife; wildlife-domestic animal-human health interactions.

DERRICKSON, Scott R., Deputy Assistant Director/Conservation and Science. B.A. (1970) Gettysburg College; M.S. (1975), Ph.D. (1977) University of Minnesota. Research specialties: Avian behavioral ecology and mating systems; avian communication; captive breeding and reintroduction.

FLEISCHER, Robert C., Research Geneticist. B.A. (1978) University of California, Santa Barbara; Ph.D. (1983) University of Kansas. Research specialties: Evolutionary biology, molecular population genetics, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, ornithology.

GREENBERG, Russell, Director, Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. B.A. (1976), Ph.D. (1981) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Ecology and conservation of migratory birds, behavioral basis of habitat selection, tropical conservation.

HAGEDORN, Mary M., Research Biologist. B.S. (1975) Jackson College; M.S. (1976) Tufts University; Ph.D. (1983) Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California. Research specialties: Development of teleosts including the cryobiology of fish embryos; biodiversity of electric fish.

HENDERSON, Ann, Conservation biologist. B.S. (1994) University of Melbourne, Australia; M.S. (1999), M.S. (2002), Ph.D. (2004) Utah State University. Research specialties: Conservation Biology; Anthropogenic disturbance to Wildlife; Mammalogy; Statistics.

HOWARD, Jogayle, Theriogenologist/Reproductive Physiologist. D.V.M. (1980) Texas A & M University; Ph.D. (1989) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Reproductive physiology; infertility; assisted breeding techniques including artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization and semen cryopreservation.

LEIMGRUBER, Peter, Landscape Ecologist/Conservation Biologist. Ph.D. (1998) University of Oklahoma, Norman; Dipl. rer. nat. (1992) Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany. Research specialties: Application of satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems to the conservation of species, communities and ecosystems; special focus on landscape ecology of large endangered mammalian species.

LISI, Karen, Animal Nutritionist. B.S. (1982) College of William and Mary; M.E.M. (1985) Duke University; M.S. (2001) California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Research specialties: Nutritional analysis of neonatal and adult passerine diets; assessment of browse species preference by leaf-eating monkeys; evaluation of food resources for free-ranging Caribbean rock iguanas.

MALDONADO, Jesus, Research Geneticist. B.S. (1983), M.S. (1985) Shippensburg University; Ph.D. (2001) University of California, Los Angeles. Research specialties: Conservation genetics, systematics and evolution of mammals.

MARRA, Peter P., Terrestrial Animal Ecologist. B.S. (1985) Southern Connecticut State University; M.S. (1989) Louisiana State University; Ph.D. (1998) Dartmouth College. Research specialties: Population and behavioral ecology of migratory birds; causes and consequences of habitat selection by birds.

MCSHEA, William, Wildlife Ecologist. B.A. (1977) Bucknell University; M.S. (1981) University of New Hampshire; Ph.D. (1985) State University of New York, Binghamton. Research specialties: Wildlife management, ecology of non-game animals, surveys of small mammals and birds, conservation of deer, citizen science-butterfly and invasive plant surveys, conservation in Southeast Asia and China; Surveys of large mammals in Asia.

MONFORT, Steven L., Associate Director for Conservation and Science. B.A. (1980) University of California, San Diego; D.V.M. (1986), M.S. (1987) University of California, Davis; Ph.D. (1993) George Mason University. Research specialties: Reproductive physiology and endocrinology of wildlife species; endangered species conservation and propagation; comparative reproduction physiological ecology, zoo veterinary medicine and anesthesia, environmental education.

OFTEDAL, Olav T., Research Nutritionist. A.B. (1971) Harvard University; Ph.D. (1981) Cornell University. Research specialties: Adaptations of animals and plants to desert environments in the southwestern U.S.; nutritional costs of reproduction; lactation strategies; digestive function and nutrient requirements of reptiles and mammals.

PUKAZENTHI, Budhan, Ungulate Biologist. B.V.Sc. (1987) Madras Veterinary College, India; M.S. (1992), Ph.D. (1996) University of Maryland. Research specialties: ungulate reproduction and conservation; gamete biology (sperm, eggs and embryos); cryobiology; assisted reproduction in endangered species, in situ conservation and training.

RALLS, Katherine, Senior Scientist. B.A. (1960) Stanford University; M.A. (1962) Radcliffe College; Ph.D. (1965) Harvard University. Research specialties: Behavior, ecology, genetics, and conservation of mammals.

RAPPOLE, John H., Research Scientist. B.A. (1968) Colgate University; M.S. (1972), Ph.D. (1976) University of Minnesota. Research specialties: Ecology and evolution of migrant birds; Inventory of Burmese sub-Himalayan avifauna; Tropical ornithology and conservation; Systematics and biogeography of Burmese birds; Migratory birds, West Nile virus and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1); Effects of deer on Appalachian avifauna; Post-breeding movements of birds; Intra-tropical avian migration; Tropical flock dynamics; Abundance, distribution and life history of regional, terrestrial vertebrate fauna.

RICE, Robert, Geographer, Policy Researcher. B.A. (1974) University of North Carolina; M.A. (1982) University of Michigan; Ph.D. (1990) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Environmental and social consequences of land use with emphasis on Mesoamerica.

ROBERTS, Miles S., Research Mammalogist. B.Sc. (1972), M.S. (1981) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Mammalian behavior and captive population management and husbandry.

RUDRAN, Rasananayagam, Zoologist. B.Sc. (1966) University of Ceylon; M.Sc. (1970) University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Ph.D. (1976) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Primate ecology and behavior; tropical wildlife conservation and management.

SEIDENSTICKER, John, Senior Scientist. B.A. (1966), M.S. (1968) University of Montana; Ph.D. (1973) University of Idaho. Research specialties: Behavioral ecology of carnivores; wildlife management; conservation biology, landscape ecology and conservation.

SILLETT, Scott, Research Wildlife Biologist. B.A. (1989) University of Arizona; M.S. (1992) Louisiana State University; Ph.D. (2000) Dartmouth College. Research specialties: Avian ecology, population biology, animal behavior, life history of migratory birds, ecological impacts of climate change.

SONGSASEN, Nucharin, Staff Scientist. DVM (1988), Kasetsart University, M SC (1993) University of Guelph, Canada, PhD (1997) University of Guelph, Canada. Research specialties: Gamete biology, cryobiology and assisted reproduction.

VINER, Tabitha, Associate Pathologist. B.S (1994) University of Maryland, Baltimore County; D.V.M. (1998) Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (2003). Research specialties: Anatomic and clinical pathology of exotic species; Lysosomal storage disease in American flamingos.

WILDT, David E., Senior Scientist, Department of Reproductive Sciences. B.A. (1972) Illinois State University; M.S. (1973), Ph.D. (1975) Michigan State University. Research specialties: Reproduction and endocrinology of wildlife species; species conservation; biopolitics.

AFFILIATED RESEARCH STAFF

CHALLINOR, David, Senior Scientist Emeritus. B.A. (1943) Harvard University; M.F. (1959), Ph.D. (1966) Yale University. Research specialties: Plant/animal interactions, nutrient cycling especially in trees.

CHOO, Johanna, Postdoctoral Fellow. Ph.D. (2005) Rutgers University. Research specialties: Tropical forest ecology, fleshy fruit diversity and vertebrate frugivory.

CHRISTEN, Catherine A., Research Associate. A.B. (1983) Harvard/Radcliffe Colleges; M.A. (1990), Ph.D. (1995) The Johns Hopkins University. Research specialties: Environmental history, especially history of conservation biology, of Smithsonian science (STRI, NZP), and of GIS/remote sensing; Latin American history; oral history.

DITTUS, Wolfgang P.J., Research Associate. B.A. (1965); M.S. (1968) McGill University; Ph.D. (1974) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Behavior, ecology, population biology and epidemiology of wild primates.

DUNHAM, Amy E., Research Associate. B.A. (1995) Connecticut College; Ph.D. (2003) Stony Brook University. Research specialties: Tropical forest ecology, food webs, ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.

GOERITZ, Frank, Research Associate. DVM (1992) Humboldt University Berlin, Germany; Ph.D. (1996) Free University Berlin, Germany. Research specialties: Reproduction management in zoo and wild animals; Wildlife medicine.

GRAND, Theodore I., Research Associate, Department of Conservation Biology. B.A. (1959) Brown University; Ph.D. (1964) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Musculoskeletal growth; anatomy and evolution of locomotor behavior; biomechanics of sports activity.

GROBLER, Douw Gerbrant, Research Associate. B.V.Sc. (1988), M.Sc. (1996) University of Pretoria. Research specialties: Specialized wildlife capture, translocations and introductions (African game species); elephant conservation and contraception; scarce species breeding; wildlife diseases.

HALLAGER, Sara, Biologist, Animal Programs. B.S. (1989) University of Maryland, College Park. Research specialties: Kori bustard captive management.

HILDEBRANT, Thomas Bernd, Research Associate. DVM (1992) Humboldt-University Berlin; Ph.D. (1993) Free University Berlin. Research specialties: Assisted Reproduction Technologies in non-domestic species like AI, embryo transfer, sperm preservation etc; development of the artificial insemination in elephants.

JHALA, Yadvendradev, Research Associate. Ph.D. (1991) Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Research specialties: Carnivores in India (Tigers, lions, striped hyenas, wolves, and Indian fox) and ungulates (ecology & nutrition of Axis deer, swamp deer, & blackbuck); ecological studies, long term monitoring, conservation genetics, using radio, GPS, and Satellite telemetry.

KLEIMAN, Devra G., Scientist Emeritus. B.A. (1964) University of Chicago; Ph.D. (1969) University of London. Research specialties: Mammalian social and reproductive behavior; mammalian communication; zoobiology; reintroduction; conservation biology; organization development; program evaluation.

MCDONALD, M. Victoria, Research Associate. B.A. (1975) Wake Forest University; M.S. (1977) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Ph.D. (1986) University of Florida. Research specialties: Vocal communication and behavioral ecology of birds; long-term population study of Kentucky Warblers.

MELLEN, Jill, Affiliated Research Staff. B.S. (1974) Illinois State University; M.S. (1976), M.A.(1985), Ph.D. (1989) University of California, Davis. Research specialties: Behavior of captive animals; animal welfare; animal enrichment; behavior & welfare of captive felids.

MONTALI, Richard J., Research Associate, Targona Zoo, Sydney, Australia. D.V.M. (1964) Cornell University; Diplomate (1970) American College of Veterinary Pathologists; Diplomate (1984) American College of Zoological Medicine. Research specialties: Diseases of zoo and wildlife species; comparative pathology and infectious diseases.

MORTON, Eugene S., Scientist Emeritus. B.S. (1962) Denison University, Granville, Ohio; M.S. (1968), Ph.D. (1970) Yale University. Research specialties: Behavioral ecology and evolution of behavior with a focus on tropical birds and vocal communication.

MUNSHI-SOUTH, Jason, Postdoctoral Fellow. A.B. (2000) University Chicago; Ph.D. (2006) University of Maryland, College Park. Research specialties: Behavior, ecology, genetics and conservation of tropical rainforest mammals (esp. treeshrews, carnivores, and forest elephants).

NEWBY, John, Research Associate. B.Sc.(Hons). (1971). Aberdeen University, Scotland. Research specialties: Conservation biology, especially of deserts and aridlands; Wildlife inventory and monitoring of endangered species; Establishment and management of protected areas.

POWELL, David, Research Associate. B.S. (1993) University of Miami; Ph.D. (2000) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Mammalian social behavior, endocrinology, zoo biology, environmental enrichment/animal well-being, conservation biology, capacity building.

POWER, Michael, Research Associate. B.S. (1978) University of California, San Diego; M.A. (1983), Ph.D. (1991) University of California, Berkeley. Research specialties: Energetics and nutrition of primates and small mammals; lactation.

RICHMAN, Laura, Research Associate. B.S. (1985) University of California, Davis; D.V.M. (1993) University of Wisconsin. Research specialties: Herpes viruses of elephants; zoo and wildlife pathology.

RUIZ-MIRANDA, Carlos, Ethologist, Department of Conservation Biology. B.A. (1985) Tulane University; M.S. (1990), Ph.D. (1992) University of California, Davis. Research specialties: Development of behavior; parent-offspring interactions; communication; effects of captivity on behavior; behavior in fragmented landscapes.

SHUMAKER, Rob William, Affiliated Research Staff. B.S., M.S., Ph.D. George Mason University. Research specialties: Animal behavior and cognition with an emphasis on primates.

SORENSON, Lisa G., Research Associate. B.S. (1983) University of California, Davis; Ph.D. (1990) University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Research specialties: Caribbean bird and wetland conservation and restoration; global warming impacts on wetlands and waterfowl.

SORENSON, Michael D., Research Associate. B.A. (1984) Luther College; Ph.D. (1990) University of Minnesota. Research specialties: Avian molecular systematics and population biology; behavioral ecology; avian brood parasitism.

SZYKMAN, Micaela, Research Associate. B.A. (1993) Amherst College; Ph.D. (2001) Michigan State University. Research specialties: Behavioral ecology of social carnivores; non-invasive hormone monitoring and reintroduction biology of African wild dogs.

TAROU, Loraine, Research Associate. B.S. (1994), M.A. (1996) McNeese State University; Ph.D. (2003), Georgia Institute of Technology. Research specialties: Comparative Psychology, Animal Learning and Cognition, Animal Welfare.

THOMPSON, Katerina, Research Associate. B.S. (1982), M.S. (1985) Virginia Polytechnic Institute; Ph.D. (1992) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Behavioral ecology; female reproductive strategies; evolution of play behavior; age-specific strategies and behavioral development.

VALDEZ, Ryan G., Director, The Amazon GIS Project. B.S. (1993) Texas A&M University, College Station; M.S. (1996) Yale University; Ph.D.(student) George Mason University. Research specialties: Wildlife Ecology: radio-telemetry studies and the use of infrared remote-trip cameras; GIS: Web-based applications for wildlife conservation areas (protected areas), management of conservation complexes; Graphic and Exhibit design activities/interests.

WELDON, Paul, Research Associate. B.A. (1975) West Connecticut State University, Danbury; Ph.D. (1982) University of Tennessee. Research specialties: Vertebrate natural products and chemical ecology; vertebrate defenses against ectoparasites.

WEMMER, Christen M., Scientist Emeritus. B.A. (1965), M.A. (1967) San Francisco State College; Ph.D. (1972) University of Maryland. Research specialties: Conservation biology; mammalian ecology and behavior; reproductive ecology of ungulates; large mammal conservation in the Third World; integration of protected area management with local communities; environmental education.

WISELY, Samantha, Research Associate. B.A. (1991) University of California, San Diego; M.S. (1997) Humboldt State University; Ph.D. (2001) University of Wyoming. Research specialties: Ecological and molecular tools; alteration of the environment affects biological processes at multiple scales; Human-induced habitat degradation alters connectivity of wild populations; epidemiological processes; Past habitat alterations-climate change, and evolutionary history.

Introduction

Information for Applying to the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program, including the fields of research

Fellowship and Internship Opportunities

Research Assistance Programs

Smithsonian Research Staff and Affiliated Research Staff E-Mail Directory

Office of Research Training and Services Applications

• Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program
• Smithsonian Institution Latino Studies Fellowship Program
• Smithsonian Institution Molecular Evolution Fellowship Program
• Minority Internship Program
• James E. Webb Internship Program
• Native American Awards Program