Her research focuses on the importance of human and wildlife behavioral ecology and adaptation in coupled human-natural systems. Such topics include assessing the effectiveness of ecological census methods for forest ungulates and primates, as well as the use of hunter knowledge and behavior in establishing adaptive management systems in Congo Basin forests. In addition to research in central Africa she has also studied the impact of forest fragmentation on Neotropical primates. She has earned degrees at Purdue University and the University of Colorado, Boulder.