Kaelyn Melinne Dobson

In recent years, my passion for primates has grown in strength. My hope for my academic future is to become a primatologist, expanding our knowledge of these amazing animals and how to protect them in a changing world. I am eager to continue my professional growth through education, training, and hands-on experience, including my research. My thesis-based masters degree from Iowa State University is the next step on my path to making a difference for primates.

I was fortunate to obtain a wide range of experiences during and after my undergraduate degree that have guided me to my current adventure. Each of the experiences pieced my passions and understandings together, leading me to graduate school at Iowa State University in the Biological Anthropology department. I am thankful for the amazing facilities, people, and animals I have had the privilege to work with.

My goal is to make a difference in the conservation efforts of the Amazon jungle and its species by letting people see and understand how amazing primates are. After obtaining a PhD, I hope to be a faculty member at a research driven university, sharing my passion with students while furthering my primate behavioral research. I believe that showing people how similar primates are to humans in their relationships and attempts to avoid danger, my research can spark a new fire in conservation.

September 2016