I joined WildCRU in 2004 as a doctoral student and completed my studies in 2009. My research project focused on competition between corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in an arid steppe region of Mongolia. I developed the project in conjunction with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Denver Zoological Foundation and received support from several groups including the Rufford Foundation, Trust for Mutual Understanding, and Earthwatch Institute. The project resulted in a greater understanding of the interactions between these two fox species and a reduction of carnivore poaching in the study area (Ikh Nart Nature Reserve).

Prior to joining WildCRU, I received a Masters that focused on the behaviour of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica) in California. I also studied African wild dogs in Botswana and Ruppell’s foxes in United Arab Emirates, and worked for Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program on a variety of biodiversity conservation issues in South America and Africa.

I was recently hired as Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Vermont – Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, located in my home town of Burlington, Vermont, USA. The position involves teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students and research. Current research projects include carnivore studies in Zambia, Mongolia, and Vermont. I also serve as Programme Coordinator for the IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group, headed by Dr Claudio Sillero-Zubiri.