My research program investigates human-lemur interactions within a shared environment. I leverage conservation biogeography, spatial ecology, and One Health approaches to understand how lemurs interact with and respond to human caused disturbance. I am also interested in how humans are impacted by applied conservation measures targeting lemurs and their habitat. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the factors determining lemur species richness and occurrence in habitat shared wtih people.
As a public anthropologist, my aim is to leverage the above approaches to provide applicable solutions that improve the lives of people, improve the conservation situation for lemurs, and protect the environment that people and lemurs share. I am also a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Species Survival Commission, Primate Specialist Group for Madagascar, an International Fellow of the Explorers Club, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and founding Director of Planet Madagascar, a charity focused on helping to create sustainable forest communities in Madagascar.
I am actively seeking graduate students for 2025 in the Public Issues Anthropology MA program especially students interested in One Health approaches to understanding lemur ecology and conservation in relation to interactions with humans.