Aubrey Monaco: Are You Afraid of the Dark? Uncovering Climate Stressors and Behavioral Patterns in a Nocturnal Habitat
Investigate the behavioral patterns of slow lorises to understand how they change their behavior based on cues from the environment.
Final Project Outcome
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SUNY-Funded Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Project
This project was made possible through the financial support of the SUNY Research and Creative Activities for Undergraduates Program.
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Project Description
In this project, Aubrey studied the behavior of slow lorises in response to different lunar phases. Here is what Aubrey had to say about the experience:
What I Did:
"In this project, I looked at how different environmental variables, like moon phase, can affect the behaviors of slow lorises, which are nocturnal primates. This project helped to bring awareness to slow lorises and helped us to understand more about their behavioral patterns. Many slow loris species are Endangered due to human activity, so understanding their own ecology helps to portray their importance in their environment. I am most proud of going to UB's Student Showcase through this project experience. There, I was able to present a poster showing the effects of lunar light (based on different moon phases) on slow loris behaviors."
What I Learned:
"My biggest takeaway from this experience is that I really enjoy working with data and conducting research to help understand more about Endangered species. This experience has made me a stronger student and has helped me move further into my goal of becoming a researcher. I have insight into what a career as a researcher might look like, and it is something that I want to continue pursuing. Other students should get involved in project like this to strengthen skills like communication, which are essential in most careers. Additionally, projects like these are great opportunities for networking and for gaining a new experience in a field that you may want to pursue over the course of your life."
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