Laboratory

Our research focuses on understanding the neurological and biological bases of primate behavior, particularly skilled foraging.  Most of this research is conducted on brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella), which are socially housed in our facility.  Capuchins are known for their manual dexterity and manipulative propensities in foraging contexts, making them an excellent model to investigate questions pertaining to behavioral and neural aspects of skilled foraging.  We combine non-invasive brain imaging (MRI) and behavioral observations in our research. 

Students interested in working in the laboratory should arrange a meeting with Dr. Phillips, and read the following documents:

  • Lab Application
  • Health & Safety
  • Lab Contract

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  • MPIG (Midwest Primate Interest Group) 2008

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    Ellie, an adult female capuchin monkey

     

    Lab group, Summer 2008:          

    Front:  Phoebe, Courtney Sobieski, Katie Hellner-Burris, Valerie Gilbert

    Back:  Dr. Kimberley Phillips, Veronica Geretz, Dr. Walt Horne

     

    Primate Conservation

    I currently serve as Chair of the Conservation Committee for the American Society of Primatologists.  This professional Society seeks to establish liaison between our members and conservation groups, research development agencies, and wildlife management/government officials in habitat countries. Our goal is to provide information on the status of wild populations of nonhuman primates and to monitor the primate trade (with special emphasis on the bushmeat crisis) and enactment/abuse of legislation aimed at conservation of nonhuman primates. We identify and reward individuals deserving of special recognition for their outstanding contributions to primate conservation.  We also fund primate conservation research projects through our Conservation Small Grants program. Information about these programs and the American Society of Primatologists can be found at www.asp.org.  From the Conservation page you can find a link to Amazon.com; purchases made through this link will provide a donation to primate conservation.

    The Trinidadian white-fronted capuchin (Cebus albifrons trinitatis; pictured below) is a critically endangered primate found only on the island of Trinidad.  I conducted field research on foraging behavior in this species from 1996 - 2000 at the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary in the Nariva Swamp.