About

Salama! Tongasoa!

I am currently a Ph.D student in the Animal Behavior Graduate Group (ABGG) at the University of California, Davis. My current research examines the evolution of social network plasticity in primates and the relationship between social behavior and conservation in primates. I combine field observations on four lemur species with new statistical techniques to understand how animals adapt their social relationships to changing environments. I have the privilege of working at two field sites: the Maromizaha Protected Area (managed by the Malagasy primate society GERP) and Kirindy Mitea National Park at the Ankoatsifaka Research Station. I additionally co-lead a team of 20-30 undergraduates through a literature review on social behavior and conservation. When I’m not in Madagascar, I enjoy teaching introductory ecology and anthropology classes and present outreach programs on primatology to local K12 students. I am a regular contributor and editor for the official ABGG blog: The Ethogram.

I graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Animal Behavior and Applied Math. While there, I studied the evolution of play behavior, taking advantage of the primate lab on campus. While studying abroad my junior year, I fell in love with the culture, language, and animals of Madagascar. Since then, I’ve been back five times to continue my research, eat the best fruit, and learn more about the culture and people. Stay tuned for further updates on the Red Island.

You can contact me at:

mclutz [at] ucdavis [dot] edu