Marietta Danforth

Dr. Marietta Danforth graduated from Emory University with a B.S. in Anthropology and received her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Psychology from the University of St. Andrews.

As the Project and Database Manager, Marietta is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Great Ape Heart Project, including managing the cardiac exam review process, monitoring database submissions, and creating protocols and training support materials for use in the management of captive great apes. She initiates collaborative projects between zoos with the overall goal of building the capacity of professional and support staff at various zoos, sanctuaries, National Primate Centers and hospitals involved in the care of great apes.

In 2015, Marietta finalized the design of the GAHP’s International Cardiac Database, which includes over 300 apes from over 70 institutions world-wide. Her current research is focused on establishing echocardiographic parameters for orangutans, developing blood pressure reference ranges for great apes, and investigating potential genetic markers for cardiovascular-disease in gorillas and bonobos.

October 2016