Primate Sensory Behavior

One of the primate species that students will observe during data collection.

Observe the sniffing behavior of different primate species at a rescue center in Vietnam.

Project description

We live in a world filled with information and cues that help us pick what food to eat and find familiar individuals. By studying primate behavior and ecology we can make inferences about how certain morphologies evolved to suit certain environments and what that means for human evolution.

I am seeking two students to participate in field-based research in Southeast Asia in the Summer of 2021 while preparing during the Fall and Spring semesters. The students will observe the sniffing behavior of different primate species at a rescue center in Vietnam. Travel, visas, and local food and accommodations are covered. Students will be responsible for personal gear, such as boots, backpacks, and needed vaccinations.

I am also seeking students to join the Poindexter Lab to help with computational analysis and literature reviews.  Students can participate in person or remotely working on independent projects within the great goals of the lab. Projects include CT scan analysis of primate nasal cavities and reevaluation of primate dietary classifications. I am open to projects not listed here that align with the lab research interests. Visit Sapoindexter.com to learn about the lab. 

Project outcome

Students will have the chance to create and present a conference poster and they will be included in the writing of any scientific publications that result from data collected. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Longer than a semester (6-9 months) 
Start time
Fall, Spring, Summer
In-person, remote, or hybrid?
Hybrid
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits Other
Who is eligible Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors 

Project mentor

Stephanie Poindexter

Assistant Professor

Anthropology

161 Spaulding Quad (Building 6)

Phone: (716) 645-0427

Email: sapoinde@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Complete activities below after a consultation with the project mentor 

Keywords

Anthropology