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Ayshah Kassamali
Former MS student
Conservation Biology
Personal Statement
My personal connection with the tropics stems from my African/Latina ethnic heritage combined with a long history of travel in tropical countries. Growing up with a strong multicultural background encouraged me to explore the larger contexts of human culture through an anthropological lens. My love for wildlife, especially the African great apes, found room for expression in biological anthropology studies which led me to delve into the study of nonhuman primates within the context of human physical and culural evolution. My commitment to primate conservation emerged through the realization of the grave state of primate endangerment today and I am currently driven to help find solutions to this problem through interdisciplinary research. My interests are centered on the human dimensions of primate conservation, particularly in the realm of the bushmeat crisis and its impact on chimpanzee populations. I am dedicated to the preservation of both natural systems and cultural systems and my master’s research will focus on integrating community-based conservation into chimpanzee conservation efforts as a means of empowering indigenous communties with ownership over their natural resources.
Research Experience
Primate Refuge and Sanctuary of Panama (Isla Tigre, Republic of Panama)
1/04—5/04 Field Researcher:
Tracked and collected behavioral data on a reintroduced mantled howler monkey population on Isla Pantera, Lake Gatun to assess the long-term success of the PRSP’s reintroduction program; assisted in organizing political strategies with Panamanian environmental organizations to promote and defend the PRSP from dismantlement by the Panama Canal Authority.
Metropolitan Nature Park (Panama City, Republic of Panama)
1/04—5/04 Environmental Educator/Wildlife Rehabilitator:
Designed and implemented environmental education programs for the Park; Worked extensively with indigenous Panamanians on sustainable development in the Gatun Lake area; Assisted head park ranger with trail maintenance, wildlife rescue and release, and hand-rearing/surrogate mothering of endemic wildlife.
Gibbon Conservation Center (Saugus, California)
10/02—6/03 Research Assistant/Intern:
Conducted non-intrusive behavioral research on the largest group of captive gibbons in the U.S.; Assisted primatologist Alan Mootnick with behavioral observations, systematic data collection, analysis, and manuscript writing; Cleaned gibbon enclosures, fed, medicated, and developed enrichment activities; Lead educational tours of facility and assisted in delivering lectures; Participated in fundraising activities.
Americorps (Helena, Montana)
8/01—8/02 Americorps VISTA Volunteer:
Built infrastructure for a non-profit First Nations cultural enrichment organization; Assisted in developing study skills and cultural solidarity among economically disadvantaged American Indian children; Formulated lesson plans and implemented a national literacy program (America Reads); Organized cultural activities, collaborated with Montana wildlife conservation programs and developed environmental awareness projects with cultural bases; Created a sustainable foundation for the program by participating in active grant-writing, fundraising, surveying, family outreach, community organizing, lobbying, and database developmen.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment (Farmingdale, New York)
6/00—8/00 Organizer/Canvasser/Educator:
Conducted neighborhood surveys on environmental awareness issues; Organized canvassing activities; Generated support through out communities over the protection of land and water resources through monetary solicitation and education; Conducted research on current environmental issues and educated fellow organizers through briefs; Raised approximately $10,000 by educating the public on environmental protection and soliciting donations.
Primate Caretaker (Marrakesh, Morocco)
5/00 - 5/00 Animal Husbandry Position:
Responsible for feeding barbary macaques, cleaning monkey living areas, and maintaining sanitary living quarters; Creatively developed enrichment activities for monkeys; Documented monkey behavior and evaluated data in order to remedy or prevent atypical behavior.
The United Nations (New York, New York)
12/99 - 1/00 UNDP Organizer:
Handled databases for the United Nations Development Program; Organized information acquired by UNDP surveys and entered data on computer programs; Participated in foreign language consultation for the program; Translated surveys delivered in Spanish into English and entered data.
Education
State University of New York at Binghamton
Binghamton, New York
BA, Anthropology, May 2001: Shared concentration in biological and sociocultural anthropology
University of Seville
Seville, Spain
Department of Anthropology, May 2001
Primate Refuge and Sanctuary of Panama
Isla Tigre, Panama
Field Methods in Primate Behavior and Ecology, January 2003
Distinctions/Awards/Affiliations:
- Cum Laude
- ASP (American Society of Primatologists)
- AAA (American Association of Anthropologists)
- Helena Indian Alliance Board Member
- Wakina Sky Learning Circle and Library Board Member
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