Get in Touch
If you would like to join my research group, are seeking lab or field-based opportunities, or are simply interested in learning more, please email me with a description of your background, your research interests, and what specifically draws you to my areas of research.




Students
If you are interested in pursuing a master’s or PhD related to primate behavioral ecology, evolutionary anthropology, or conservation, I am happy to hear from prospective students. Research in my group covers a range of topics—you might collect your own data in the field, work with existing datasets from wild chimpanzees or bonobos, or focus on aspects of conservation policy. There are also opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, including video coding. Please note, I typically cannot supervise short-term internships.
While I occasionally advertise paid positions or internships when funding is available, I am open to discussing possibilities with motivated students who have clear interests that align with my work.
Field opportunities
Opportunities occasionally arise within my field projects for volunteers and research assistants to gain hands-on experience in primate fieldwork and behavioral data collection. These roles typically require a commitment of at least six months and are best suited for individuals with prior field experience or a demonstrated ability to thrive in remote, challenging, and cross-cultural environments. A functional level of spoken French is often expected, given the contexts in which our projects operate.
These positions provide valuable training in field and behavioral methodologies that are ideal for those aspiring to careers in conservation or academic research. Specific open positions are posted on our respective project websites as they arise, but you are welcome to contact me with details about your interests and qualifications to enquire about future possibilities.
For prospective...



Erin Wessling
I welcome inquiries from colleagues, students, potential collaborators, and journalists interested in chimpanzee and bonobo conservation and research.
For matters in Science
For matters in Conservation
ewessling [at] dpz [dot] eu
coordinator [at] westernchimp [dot] org
© 2025. All rights reserved.