Background and areas of interest:

I am a biological anthropologist with research interests in Southeast Asia pertaining to ecology and wildlife conservation/conflict, and more specifically to primate behavior. I have taught and advised at the UO for the last six years.

What brought you to the University of Oregon?

Advising and teaching. The opportunity to design and teach courses that mean a lot to me, such as Scientific Racism (which explores bias in science, and the relation between science and racism), Nutritional Anthropology (which explores biological and cultural elements of diet, food, and the body), and Animals and People (which explores ethics and behavior). The opportunity to work with students in the role of advisor, to help student successfully navigate their undergraduate career, to get students involved in research, and to prepare students for graduate school.

How did you get involved in your field?

A teacher believed that I could do what I thought I could never do—research with primates and a career in education.

What is the best advice you have for a college student?

Just one bit of advice? How about three?
1. Get engaged (UO community)
2. Find what you love (academic subjects, clubs, research), and do it.
3. Come to me anytime, I’ll help you with all of those things!