Primate Behavior
Research and Internships
Primate Behavior and Ecology students have several opportunities to complete internships and research with non-human primates in both captive and free-living settings. Students interested in conducting research should familiarize themselves with the CWU policy and procedures of CWU's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Khebeythang Nature Study Sub-Center
Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research, Central Bhutan
The Biodiversity of Bhutan Field School provides students with the unique opportunity to learn field techniques focused on Bhutan's primates and other mammals, birds, butterflies, freshwater invertebrates, and plants. Simultaneously, students conduct ethnographic interviews with local people to learn more about human-wildlife contact. Students engage in scientific research with people of diverse backgrounds, while learning more about one of the last pristine environments left on earth.
For more program information please contact Dr. Lori Sheeran.
Contact:
- Lori Sheeran, Ph.D.
Email: Lori.Sheeran@cwu.edu - Kathleen Barlow, Ph.D.
Email: Kathleen.Barlow@cwu.edu
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW)
CSNW is located approximately 20 miles west of Ellensburg. The sanctuary currently provides care for ten chimpanzees while advocating for all great apes. Through a collaborative agreement with the PBE program, CSNW supports the training and education of students in the field of chimpanzee care and husbandry. (see what the chimps have been up to on CSNW's Blog!)
Contact:
- April Binder, Ph.D.
Email: April.Binder@cwu.edu
Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC)
GCC’s mission is to promote the conservation of gibbons through education and research. GCC houses more than 40 gibbons and representatives of 4 genera. Students can base research projects at GCC and/or gain experience in husbandry,grant-writing, and environmental education working in collaboration with CWU faculty and GCC staff.
Contact:
- Lori Sheeran, Ph.D.
Email: Lori.Sheeran@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-1434
Fauna Foundation
Fauna Foundation is located about a half hour from Montreal in Carignan, Quebec, CA. This sanctuary is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Canada and is currently home to all known captive chimpanzees living in Canada. Fauna is also home to former CHCI signing chimps, Tatu and Loulis. Fauna is home to 14 chimpanzees, 4 monkeys, and several farm animals. Fauna Foundation offers summer internships to students interested in learning about and participating in non-invasive research with the chimpanzees.
Contact:
- Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D.
Email: jensvold@faunafoundation.org
Phone: 450-658-1844
Learn about their visiting intern program and education.
Molecular Anthropology Lab (MAL)
Learn the techniques used in forensic, biomedical, and genetic research laboratories. MAL is equipped for DNA extraction, PCR analysis, genotyping, and DNA sequencing. MAL houses DNA samples from more than 90 primate species, which are available for student projects in comparative primate genetics.
Contact:
- April Binder, Ph.D.
Email: April.Binder@cwu.edu
Museum of Culture and Environment (MCE)
An opportunity to learn more about public education and outreach, exhibit design, and educational assessment.
Contact:
- J. Hope Amason, Ph.D.
Email: Jessica.Amason@cwu.edu
Oregon Zoo
A non-profit zoo located just outside of Portland, Oregon that is home to ten species of monkeys and apes. Oregon Zoo emphasizes sustainable conservation and naturalistic environments while also promoting animal welfare science and research. Students can explore summer internships and create zoo-based research projects.
Contact:
- Lori Sheeran, Ph.D.
Email: Lori.Sheeran@cwu.edu
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