As humans increasingly reside in cities, it is crucial to understand how human and animal behavior feedback on one another in urban environments where ‘nuisance’ species like raccoons are common. My research resides at the intersection of non-human animal cognition and behavior and urban social-ecological environments. I am interested in how humans’ perceptions, interactions and conflicts with urban raccoons may impact raccoons’ behavior and cognitive abilities, and how and why this may vary within cities. My work with Vancouver’s raccoons has taught me the importance of being resilient and flexible in the face of all of life’s challenges!

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After being introduced to animal cognition through my B.S. in Animal Behavior, I found a deep interest in understanding aspects of wildlife ecology. My current research delves into the urbanization gradient’s influence on raccoon behavior and morphology to determine if and how a common urban mammal is responding to a highly novel habitat. This required a deep dive into the history of the raccoon as an urban species and led me to the vast museum collections that house thousands of modern raccoon specimens from as early as the 1800s. My research interests lie at the intersection of behavior, morphology, and cognition in a variety of taxa. I am currently an NSF GRFP Fellow in the Program in Ecology at the University of Wyoming, and the project manager for the University of Wyoming Raccoon Project.

Global urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges to wildlife. In cities, easily accessible human food benefits wildlife, but these urban animals have to tolerate anthropogenic disturbances. Such disturbances could induce chronic stress, and chronically stressed animals tend to have poor health. I am interested in investigating the relation between chronic stress level, diet composition, and immune function to determine the effects of urbanization on coyotes (Canis latrans) in British Columbia across an urban-rural gradient.

As a Doctoral Student in Zoology at the University of British Columbia, my research focuses on how anthropogenic factors influence coyote spatial behaviour and the capacity for coexistence between humans and coyotes in shared landscapes. Driven by a deep passion for wildlife conservation and animal behaviour, my research journey has taken me across the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. In the US I’ve contributed to diverse projects ranging from elk calf recruitment and carnivore occupancy studies to bird of prey road mortality, raccoon disease ecology, and the impacts of solar energy development on desert carnivores. My work in Africa included collecting data on African lions in Zimbabwe, urban spotted hyenas in Lilongwe, and gelada monkey behaviour, ecology, and endocrinology in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains. Through these experiences, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of human-wildlife conflict and the need for solution-oriented research to foster coexistence in a rapidly urbanizing world. Beyond research, you can find me petting all the dogs, following wildlife tracks away from wherever I said I would be, and choking on absolutely nothing when I’m part of an audience.

Growing up in the suburbs near natural areas, I encountered wildlife nearly every day, as many others do. These daily observations set me on the path to asking questions about human-wildlife interactions, specifically in the case of animals like coyotes, which are more commonly entering urban areas as cities expand. As a Masters student at UBC, my research is focused on understanding the spatial and temporal factors that contributed to the spike in coyote attacks in Vancouver’s Stanley Park in 2021. With this information, we will aim to spread awareness to decrease conflicts between coyotes and humans in and beyond Vancouver, and promote safe ways for us to co-exist with them.

As a Research Technician, I engage deeply with wildlife research, focusing on camera trapping and image analysis to uncover the hidden lives of animals. Leveraging tools like MegaDetector, EcoAssist, and R, I process crucial data that aids our understanding of animal behaviors and informs conservation strategies. My academic journey has equipped me with a Ph.D. and Master's in Experimental Analysis of Behavior, building on a foundation laid by a Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine, all of which enrich my approach to research and conservation. My passion for nature drives my volunteer work, blending a love for outdoor adventures with a commitment to environmental stewardship. Each project I contribute to not only advances our scientific knowledge but also fuels my personal mission to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.