Primate Behavior and Ecology Program
Lori K. Sheeran, PhD
Program Director
SheeranL@cwu.edu
509-963-1434
400 E. University Way
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7544
www.cwu.edu/primate/
The Primate Behavior and Ecology program provides students with interdisciplinary perspectives on the
relationships between non-human primates and the environment in both captive and free-range
settings. Specific course requirements in anthropology, psychology, biology, philosophy, and primate
studies give students a solid academic background, enriched by opportunities for fieldwork, research,
and husbandry training.
The program is unique in Washington State, and complements the research and training efforts of the
Joint CWU-Anhui University Biodiversity and Primate Field Research Program in Huangshan, China.
Primate Behavior and Ecology Bachelor of Science Degree
CWU offers a unique, dual-degree program that combines primate behavior and ecology with
anthropology, psychology, or biology. Students can complete this bachelor's degree in four years and
take advantage of opportunities to engage in faculty-mentored scientific research on campus; in local
museums, sanctuaries and zoos; and in distant countries where free-living nonhuman primates are
found. Hands-on experiences and advanced technical training enhance student job prospects and
provide a foundation for students continuing on for advanced degrees.
Primate Behavior Master of Science Degree
The Master of Science in Primate Behavior is one of CWU’s most recognized interdisciplinary graduate
programs. This degree offers students opportunities to engage in original scientific research at
sanctuaries, zoos, or abroad.
Students will benefit from small, intimate classes and one-on-one professional academic relationships.
Degree requirements include 45 credits of coursework and a final project, which could be the
submission of a journal-ready article, a traditional thesis, or other project. About 10 students are
accepted into the MS program each year. Program graduates continue on to PhD programs, law schools,
or to careers in animal caregiving in zoos, laboratories, and sanctuaries.
PBE Facilities and Research Opportunities
Molecular Anthropology Lab (MAL)
Joseph Lorenz, PhD, LorenzJ@cwu.edu, 509-963-3448
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.
Primatology In Ecuador
Steve Wagner, PhD, WagnerS@cwu.edu, 509-963-3105
Travel to Ecuador to work with primatologist Sarah Martin Solano and Professor Steve Wagner to study
the behavior and conservation of this country’s unique and virtually unknown primate species.
Sign Language And Communication Research Group
Mary Lee Jensvold, Ph.D. Jensvold@cwu.edu, 509-963-2215
Dr. Jensvold worked extensively with world-famous chimpanzee Washoe and her family, the first
nonhumans to learn a human language. Work with professor Jensvold to learn more about
communication of chimpanzees and other ape’ communication.
China Field School and Research
Lori Sheeran, PhD, SheeranL@cwu.edu, 509-963-1434
Practice observational research methods as a member of an international team focused on the behavior
of Tibetan macaques. Spend three weeks in the Yellow Mountains of the Anhui Province in China,
sponsored by CWU Study Abroad. Field research is mentored by Professors Lori Sheeran and Steve
Wagner.
Comparative Primate Anatomy
John Alsoszatai-Petheo, PhD, JAPetheo@cwu.edu, 509-963-3306
Professor-guided research on comparative primate anatomy using CWU’s non-invasively obtained
collection of fossil and extant primate skeletal material.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest (CSNW)
Mary Lee Jensvold, PhD jensvold@cwu.edu, 509-963-2215
CSNW is located approximately 20 miles west of Ellensburg. The sanctuary currently provides
care for seven 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. Opportunities for non-invasive observation and data
collection also are available.
Woodland Park Zoo
Mark Auslander, Ph.D. AuslanderM@cwu.edu, 509-963-3209
Complete an internship or research project at the world-famous Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. This is a
particularly important opportunity for students planning careers in zoos and primate caregiving, and/or
students interested in exhibit design and public outreach and education.
Museum Of Culture And Environment
Mark Auslander, PhD AuslanderM@cwu.edu, 509-963-3209
Learn more about public education and outreach, exhibit design, and educational assessment.
Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC)
Lori Sheeran, PhD, SheeranL@cwu.edu, 509-963-1434
GCC is located in the Santa Clarita Valley of Southern California. The center’s mission is to contribute to
the knowledge of gibbons and to promote their conservation. GCC houses more than 40 gibbons and
representatives of four genera.