About Us
The Imfene Initiative is conceived and coordinated by Julian Saunders and Larissa Swedell.
Project Consultants
With a view of approaching this project in the best way possible, we have discussed the Imfene Initiative with the following experts in primate biology, conservation, and education, all of whom are highly supportive and have agreed to serve in an advisory capacity in their respective areas of expertise:
Dr Clifford Jolly
(PhD University of London 1965) Professor Emeritus,
New York University, USA
- Internationally recognized expert on baboon biology and evolution
- Co-Director of Awash Baboon Project (Ethiopia) and Zambian Baboon Hybrid Zone Project (Zambia)
Dr John Oates
(PhD University of London 1974) Professor Emeritus, City
University of New York, USA
- Internationally recognized primate ecologist and conservationist with expertise in African primates
- Author of Myth and Reality in the Rain Forest: How Conservation Strategies are Failing in West Africa
Dr Jane Phillips-Conroy
(PhD New York University 1978) Professor,
Washington University, USA
- Primatologist and anatomist with expertise in the biology, physiology and anatomy of baboons, humans, and other primates
- Co-Director of Awash Baboon Project (Ethiopia) and Zambian Baboon Hybrid Zone Project (Zambia)
Dr Janette Wallis
(PhD University of Oklahoma 1986) Lecturer, University of Oklahoma, USA
- Primatologist with expertise in social behavior and reproduction of chimpanzees, baboons, and other African primates
- Vice President for Conservation, International Primatological Society
- Board Member, Society for Conservation Biology – Africa Section
- Co-Editor of Commensalism and Conflict: The Human-Primate Interface
Dr Colleen McCann
(PhD City University of New York 1995) Wildlife
Conservation Society, USA
- Primatologist and Curator of Primates at the Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society
- Former Vice President for Captive Care, International Primatological Society
- Member of Research and Technology Committee, Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Dr Thore Bergman
(PhD Washington University 2000) Assistant Professor,
University of Michigan, USA
- Primatologist with expertise in baboon social behaviour, cognition, and vocal communication
Dr Jacinta Beehner
(PhD Washington University 2003) Assistant Professor,
University of Michigan, USA
- Primatologist and primate endocrinologist; expert in hormonal assessment of stress in monkeys
Dr Mathew Pines
(PhD, University of New England, Australia 2005)
- Primatologist with expertise in captive animal welfare, baboon behavioural ecology, and conservation education
- Founder and Director of Save Awash National Park conservation organization
Dr. Jessica Rothman
(PhD Cornell University 2006) Assistant Professor, Hunter College-CUNY
- Primate ecologist with expertise in nutritional ecology of monkeys, apes, and other wildlife
- Director, Nutritional Ecology Laboratory at Hunter College of CUNY
- Honorary Lecturer, Makerere University, Uganda
Dr Damiana Ravasi
(PhD, University of Cape Town 2009)
- Primatologist with expertise in baboon ecology and parasitology
Dr Angela van Doorn
(PhD, University of Cape Town 2009)
- Primatologist with expertise in baboon behavioural ecology and the effectiveness of current management strategies in the Cape Peninsula population
Shahrina Chowdhury
(MA Columbia University 2004) PhD candidate, City University of New York
- Primatologist with expertise in baboon social behaviour and reproduction
Esme Beamish
(MSc University of Cape Town 2010)
- Primatologist with expertise in baboon behaviour, population dynamics, and causes and consequences of mortality in baboons
