About Me

I am a behavioral ecologist and conservation biologist whose work sits at the intersection of research and on-the-ground impact for great apes, especially chimpanzees. My scientific journey has taken me to the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Harvard University, and the University of St Andrews—where I have developed expertise in evolutionary ecology, physiological adaptation, and the remarkable behavioral diversity within the genus Pan.

At the heart of my research is a commitment to producing rigorous science that not only expands our fundamental understanding of animal behavior and evolution, but also shapes how we approach real-world conservation challenges. My work interrogates long-held assumptions about adaptation and flexibility in chimpanzees, using methodologies that span disciplines, including endocrinology, stable isotopes, and field-based behavioral observation. I am deeply invested in demonstrating how the study of charismatic species such as apes can both inform core theories in behavioral ecology and catalyze high-impact conservation interventions.

I believe that effective and durable conservation requires inclusive collaboration and equitable leadership. As the co-director of two major research and conservation projects in Africa, I am leveraging these platforms to empower and elevate under-resourced colleagues, especially women scientists and conservationists from West Africa. I have initiated regional grant programs to support women’s access to leadership roles in conservation, and I prioritize mentorship and capacity-building for the next generation of African scientists. Through my advisory roles with organizations such as the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the UNEP Convention on Migratory Species, I work to ensure that the best available science is translated into actionable, evidence-based policy.

My values as a scientist are rooted in curiosity, integrity, and a responsibility to contribute to solutions that extend beyond academia. Whether leading rigorous research, designing conservation strategies, or advocating for greater equity in science, I am driven by the goal of creating pathways for knowledge and opportunity that are as inclusive and diverse as the ecosystems and species I study.