Eric Hoffmaster

I began studying animal cognition at Frostburg State University as an undergraduate. The University was fortunate enough to have a cotton-top tamarin colony where I was able to explore tamarin tool use and temporal reasoning. Upon graduating, I spent time first as an intern and then manager at Alouatta Sanctuary where I was able to focus my research interests to social cognition. As I would spend my days tracking and conducting behavior follows of wild primate troops, I became fascinated with animal social structures and behaviors, wondering what social cognitive abilities they may possess and the evolutionary pressures that may have selected for such abilities. Now I am working on Master's degree as a psychology graduate student at Oakland University where I am fortunate enough to expand my research horizons and move from studying primates to studying bats in order to gain a better understanding of their social cognition.

When I can slip away from school, I enjoy being outdoors and hiking. I grew up close the Appalachian Trail and spent most of my youth hiking local portions of the trail. This helped shape my love for the outdoors, so I try to get out on the trails and also camp whenever I can.

July 2015