Robert A. Montgomery, Associate Professor and Director
I am an Associate Professor of wildlife and landscape ecology and the Director of the Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory at Michigan State University. I began developing this laboratory, situated in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, in January, 2014. The broad goal of my research is to document the ways in which animals move through and use landscapes in an increasingly fragmented and human-disturbed world. While diverse, my research centers on carnivore-prey interactions. I model the ways in which carnivores hunting prey can have physical and detectable consequences on the landscapes where they reside and on the human communities with which they share these landscapes. In this capacity, I reveal the influence of life history, abiotic, and biotic factors on individual carnivore/prey decision-making and quantify how these decisions can scale-up to have population-level consequences with relevance to conservation, environmental sustainability, and policy. A central tenet of my research philosophy is to conduct enriching interdisciplinary research among real-world stakeholders, students, in-country partners, and colleagues to enhance the scope and broaden the implications of my work.
AFFILIATIONS
COURSES TAUGHT AT MSU
Unpacking Global Sustainability Problems, FW/PKG/AL491, IAH231
Conservation Biology - Why Big Fierce Animals Are Increasingly Rare, FW444
Applications of GIS to Natural Resources Management, FW419
Landscape Ecology, FW 840
Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment and Public Policy, FW/MC181
Undergraduate Seminar in Fisheries and Wildlife, FW293
ResearchGate Profile, Google Scholar Profile
AFFILIATIONS
- Research Associate in the Wildlife Conservation and Research Unit (WildCRU), University of Oxford
- Member, IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group
- Core Faculty of the Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior Program at Michigan State University
- Core Faculty of the African Studies Center at Michigan State University
COURSES TAUGHT AT MSU
Unpacking Global Sustainability Problems, FW/PKG/AL491, IAH231
Conservation Biology - Why Big Fierce Animals Are Increasingly Rare, FW444
Applications of GIS to Natural Resources Management, FW419
Landscape Ecology, FW 840
Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment and Public Policy, FW/MC181
Undergraduate Seminar in Fisheries and Wildlife, FW293
ResearchGate Profile, Google Scholar Profile
Research associates
Dr. Tutilo Mudumba, Research Associate
Tutilo received a B.S. in Conservation Biology from Makerere University, Uganda in 2007. Thereafter, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship to complete a postgraduate diploma course in the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford. Tutilo has since worked as a carnivore ecologist and project coordinator for the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Tutilo completed his Ph.D. at Michigan State University in 2019. His research program examines how large mammals spatially respond to- and hopefully cope with- sources of anthropogenic disturbance. Of specific interest is the effect of oil and gas development on the movement ecology and behavior of lions and other large mammals in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. He is also the Co-Director of the Snares to Wares Initiative which is a capacity-building effort sitauted in the rural communities surrounding Murchison Falls. The Initiative re-purposes wires used for snaring and in the hands of local people, trained to be artisans, creates sculptures of some of the wildlife that are most vulnerable to snaring.
Tutilo completed his Ph.D. at Michigan State University in 2019. His research program examines how large mammals spatially respond to- and hopefully cope with- sources of anthropogenic disturbance. Of specific interest is the effect of oil and gas development on the movement ecology and behavior of lions and other large mammals in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. He is also the Co-Director of the Snares to Wares Initiative which is a capacity-building effort sitauted in the rural communities surrounding Murchison Falls. The Initiative re-purposes wires used for snaring and in the hands of local people, trained to be artisans, creates sculptures of some of the wildlife that are most vulnerable to snaring.
Graduate students
Herbert Kasozi, Ph.D. CANDIDATE
GERALD KUTCHEY AND KATHRYN SNYDER GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
Herbert received his B.S in Conservation Biology and M.S. in Zoology from Makerere University, Uganda. His M.S research investigated factors influencing the occurrence of small mammals and Hero Shrew (Scutisorex somereni) habitat use at the home range scale in Mabira forest reserve. During and after his Masters, he has conducted biodiversity surveys to inform strategic planning for oil and gas development in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
In RECaP, Herbert’s research will revolve around several aspects of wildlife conservation in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Specifically, this work with address novel population estimation techniques for species of conservation concern and the application of anti-snaring approaches to aid the recovery of these populations.
Herbert received his B.S in Conservation Biology and M.S. in Zoology from Makerere University, Uganda. His M.S research investigated factors influencing the occurrence of small mammals and Hero Shrew (Scutisorex somereni) habitat use at the home range scale in Mabira forest reserve. During and after his Masters, he has conducted biodiversity surveys to inform strategic planning for oil and gas development in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.
In RECaP, Herbert’s research will revolve around several aspects of wildlife conservation in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. Specifically, this work with address novel population estimation techniques for species of conservation concern and the application of anti-snaring approaches to aid the recovery of these populations.
Jacalyn Beck, Ph.D. CANDIDATE
UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED AND NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
Jackie received her B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University. Thereafter, she worked as a research coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources where her primary focus was bat conservation.
Jackie's research interests include carnivore movement and behavior, the application of conservation policies, and human-wildlife conflict resolution. Within RECaP Jackie is assessing how the interactions of carnivores and their prey influence the interactions of carnivores and people in East Africa.
Jackie received her B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University. Thereafter, she worked as a research coordinator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources where her primary focus was bat conservation.
Jackie's research interests include carnivore movement and behavior, the application of conservation policies, and human-wildlife conflict resolution. Within RECaP Jackie is assessing how the interactions of carnivores and their prey influence the interactions of carnivores and people in East Africa.
Arthur Muneza, Ph.D. Candidate
LEIDEN CONSERVATION FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
Arthur received his B.S. degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. While educated in Kenya, Arthur is originally from Rwanda. Thereafter Arthur became a MasterCard Foundation Scholar at Michigan State University where he completed his M.S. degree in the RECaP Lab in May, 2016. Arthur's thesis research quantified spatial variation in prevalence, manifestation, and severity of Giraffe Skin Disease.
Arthur's Ph.D. research investigates the variety of factors affecting the survival and reproduction of giraffe populations throughout East Africa. Of specific interest is the affect of anthropogenic disturbance on giraffes.
Arthur received his B.S. degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. While educated in Kenya, Arthur is originally from Rwanda. Thereafter Arthur became a MasterCard Foundation Scholar at Michigan State University where he completed his M.S. degree in the RECaP Lab in May, 2016. Arthur's thesis research quantified spatial variation in prevalence, manifestation, and severity of Giraffe Skin Disease.
Arthur's Ph.D. research investigates the variety of factors affecting the survival and reproduction of giraffe populations throughout East Africa. Of specific interest is the affect of anthropogenic disturbance on giraffes.
Claire Hoffmann, Ph.D. Candidate
UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOW
Claire received her B.A. degree from Amherst College, and her M.S. in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management from the University of Oxford, England. After completing her M.S., she spent time working on research projects focused on Canada lynx ecology in the Yukon Territory of Canada as well as examining conflict between humans and wolves in the Western United States.
In RECaP, Claire’s research will be centered in Northern Tanzania, where she will be using innovative geospatial technologies to investigate spatio-temporal variation in patterns of livestock depredation by lions, leopards, and hyenas. She will be applying these technologies to develop long-term sustainable solutions for human-predator conflicts in the region.
Claire received her B.A. degree from Amherst College, and her M.S. in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management from the University of Oxford, England. After completing her M.S., she spent time working on research projects focused on Canada lynx ecology in the Yukon Territory of Canada as well as examining conflict between humans and wolves in the Western United States.
In RECaP, Claire’s research will be centered in Northern Tanzania, where she will be using innovative geospatial technologies to investigate spatio-temporal variation in patterns of livestock depredation by lions, leopards, and hyenas. She will be applying these technologies to develop long-term sustainable solutions for human-predator conflicts in the region.
Methodius MUKHWANA , Ph.D. Student
WORLD WILDLIFE FUND RUSSEL E. TRAIN EDUCATION FELLOW
Methodius received a B.A Tourism at Makerere University, Uganda. Upon graduation he worked for a number of non-governmental organizations. Methodius has worked for the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) for the last seven years. As a Program Officer in Conservation Planning, Methodius develops models and generates relevant information to assess the impact of community conservation, wildlife ecology, and sustainable natural resource management on improved community livelihoods.
In RECaP, Methodius is examining the impacts of the Tembo Chili Program on human livelihoods and elephant behavior. His research focuses on the impact of smart chili pepper fencing designs on elephant; i) seasonal home range dynamics, ii) habitat selection, and iii) and movement in the Murchison Falls National Park landscape, in Uganda.
Methodius received a B.A Tourism at Makerere University, Uganda. Upon graduation he worked for a number of non-governmental organizations. Methodius has worked for the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) for the last seven years. As a Program Officer in Conservation Planning, Methodius develops models and generates relevant information to assess the impact of community conservation, wildlife ecology, and sustainable natural resource management on improved community livelihoods.
In RECaP, Methodius is examining the impacts of the Tembo Chili Program on human livelihoods and elephant behavior. His research focuses on the impact of smart chili pepper fencing designs on elephant; i) seasonal home range dynamics, ii) habitat selection, and iii) and movement in the Murchison Falls National Park landscape, in Uganda.
International Research Associates
Sophia JIngo, Research Fellow
EMMA EISENSTEIN RESEARCH FELLOW
Sophia is a research fellow in RECaP studying lion ecology and anti-snaring initiatives in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. She has a B.S. degree in Zoology with a minor in Botany from Makerere University in Kampala. Over the last decade, Sophia has worked on two separate lion research projects in Uganda. Her role has involved human-wildlife conflict resolution, liaising with Uganda Wildlife Authority to develop alternative tourism products, and research into the different aspects of lion ecology that can help to inform progressive conservation strategies for this species.
As part of her role as the EMMA EISENSTEIN RESEARCH FELLOW, Sophia will start her M.S. degree at Makerere University this autumn. Sophia was born and raised in a remote national park in Uganda and intends to develop community conservation measures that directly benefit wildlife and the human communities that share their backyards with wildlife.
Sophia is a research fellow in RECaP studying lion ecology and anti-snaring initiatives in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. She has a B.S. degree in Zoology with a minor in Botany from Makerere University in Kampala. Over the last decade, Sophia has worked on two separate lion research projects in Uganda. Her role has involved human-wildlife conflict resolution, liaising with Uganda Wildlife Authority to develop alternative tourism products, and research into the different aspects of lion ecology that can help to inform progressive conservation strategies for this species.
As part of her role as the EMMA EISENSTEIN RESEARCH FELLOW, Sophia will start her M.S. degree at Makerere University this autumn. Sophia was born and raised in a remote national park in Uganda and intends to develop community conservation measures that directly benefit wildlife and the human communities that share their backyards with wildlife.
Roselyn Kaihula, Research Associate
Originally from Tanzania, Roselyn and holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from The Institute of Social Work in Tanzania. In 2016, she completed a Master’s Degree in Social Work, Organization and Community Leadership from Michigan State University. Roselyn's career goal is to work in communities to advocate for human rights. She also intends to support social development and economic growth. For the past four years, Roselyn has been engaged in capacity-building, advocacy, policy assessment, and documenting, as well as researching, issues relating to children's rights and gender-related issues.
Roselyn’s research assesses community behaviors as they relate to human-wildlife interaction. She is implementing conservation clubs for after-school youth programs on the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania. Roselyn's research will evaluate the impact of these clubs on changing people’s behaviors and perceptions towards wildlife and the environment.
Roselyn’s research assesses community behaviors as they relate to human-wildlife interaction. She is implementing conservation clubs for after-school youth programs on the Maasai Steppe, Tanzania. Roselyn's research will evaluate the impact of these clubs on changing people’s behaviors and perceptions towards wildlife and the environment.
Peter Luhonda, Driver Murchison Falls National Park
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Peter is the project driver and has worked on the Snares to Wares Initiative since the inception of this project. Peter manages the ground logistics of the Snares to Wares artisans and has facilitated snare sweeps in the national park including the transportation and allocation of these raw materials to the artisan groups in the community. Before he joined the RECaP Lab, Peter worked as a field assistant with the Wildlife Conservation Society during a country wide biodiversity survey that included research in Murchison Falls National Park.
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Patience Ariyo, Research Assistant
Patience is a Research Assistant in the Murchison Falls National Park Research Project of RECaP's Uganda Program. She graduated with a higher certificate in Tourism and Hotel Management. Having lost her Dad at an early age, Patience funded her through school by working during holidays. She interned with Uganda Wildlife Authority and on RECaP Lab’s lion monitoring project inside Murchison Falls National Park where she participated in first survey of distribution and abundance of illegal wires snares between June – August 2018. She has been working as a research assistant with RECaP every since.
Brenda Asimwe, Field Camp Manager
Brenda is the camp manager in the Murchison Falls National Park Research Project of the Uganda Program. In 2017, she joined a teaching course in Uganda Pentecostal University where she completed a diploma coarse and majored in Kiswahili language. Brenda is a qualified secondary school Kiswahili teacher. She is a proud alumnus of Bwera SecondarySschool, found at the boarder of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Western Uganda, and Nyabugando Baptist Secondary School in the Kasese District of Uganda. She has lived part of her formative years in the enclaves within Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda and has a deep appreciation for wildlife conservation.
Undergraduate Students
Abby Pointer, B.S. Candidate
Abby is an undergraduate working towards her Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in Conservation Biology. She is also minoring in both Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy and Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Within RECaP, Abby works on the Snares to Wares Initiative as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator to help promote and sustain the initiative from the U.S. front.
After graduation, Abby hopes to pursue further education in the wildlife conservation sector. She is particularly interested in the intersection where humans and wildlife meet, and she would like to continue doing work that engages communities with their environment.
After graduation, Abby hopes to pursue further education in the wildlife conservation sector. She is particularly interested in the intersection where humans and wildlife meet, and she would like to continue doing work that engages communities with their environment.
Haley Abbas, B.A. Candidate
Haley is an undergraduate Marketing major in the Eli Broad College of Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a specialization in Social Innovation. Professionally, Haley has worked in the economic development industry for two years, offering marketing and grant writing support. Within RECaP, Haley works on the Snares to Wares Initiative as the Development Coordinator to help with furthering the marketing and development efforts needed to sustain the initiative.
After graduation, Haley hopes to pursue an MBA with a concentration in Marketing and an interest in Global Business. She is interested in utilizing her skills to work in business development for global corporations and nonprofits.
After graduation, Haley hopes to pursue an MBA with a concentration in Marketing and an interest in Global Business. She is interested in utilizing her skills to work in business development for global corporations and nonprofits.
Azana Cochran, B.S. Candidate
Azana is an undergraduate student working towards her Bachelors of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University with a concentration in Wildlife Biology. She is interested in studying the environment and conservation of African mammals, and how to conserve their population. In RECaP, Azana will be involved in the Snares to Wares Initiative that seeks ways to decrease the amount of large African mammals from getting seriously injured from wire snares.
After graduating, Azana plans to continue her education in graduate school. She wants to continue to research and find new ways to keep populations of African mammals preserved for many more generations.
After graduating, Azana plans to continue her education in graduate school. She wants to continue to research and find new ways to keep populations of African mammals preserved for many more generations.
Storm MILLER, B.S. CANDIDATE
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Storm is an undergraduate student working towards his Bachelors of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University with a concentration in Conservation Biology. He is interested in the conservation of America’s ecosystems and how to mitigate the effects of the human populations on wildlife. In RECaP, Storm is studying predator-prey dynamics and how they influence ecological interactions. His current research is focused on the role of coyote and red foxes predation on rodent populations and the potential cascading effects on disease ecology.
After graduation, Storm plans to continue his education in graduate school and eventually receive his PhD to become a professor and share his love of the natural world with his students. |
Ashley Greenleaf, B.S. Candidate
Ashley is an undergraduate pursuing a double major in Animal Science and Global Studies, with concentrations in Animal Industry and International Development. She is interested in the convergence of sustainable agricultural policy and improving the livelihoods of local communities. Within RECaP, Ashley is working to mitigate human-elephant conflict in East Africa by establishing bird eye chili fences.
After graduating, Ashley plans to pursue further education in sustainable agriculture and rural development. Specifically, she aims to utilize agri-business best practices to implement policies that keep stakeholders in East Africa at the head of decision-making.
After graduating, Ashley plans to pursue further education in sustainable agriculture and rural development. Specifically, she aims to utilize agri-business best practices to implement policies that keep stakeholders in East Africa at the head of decision-making.
Lauren Emerick, B.S. Candidate
Lauren is an undergraduate student currently working towards her Bachelors of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in Wildlife Biology and Management, and a minor in Environmental Science and Sustainability. She is interested in the behavioral component of wildlife management. Her particular interests lie in how the intersection between humans and wildlife can be better managed through research, education, and outreach to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, especially as it relates to agricultural practices.
Within ReCAP, Lauren is investigating spatio-temporal variation in patterns of livestock depredation by lions, leopards, and hyenas to develop sustainable solutions for human-carnivore conflict in Northern Kenya. After graduating from MSU, Lauren plans to further her education and wildlife research in graduate school, and eventually receive her PhD. She hopes to continue looking at the ways in which humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals interact, and how we as a people can be more educated and more proactive about wildlife management and conservation.
Within ReCAP, Lauren is investigating spatio-temporal variation in patterns of livestock depredation by lions, leopards, and hyenas to develop sustainable solutions for human-carnivore conflict in Northern Kenya. After graduating from MSU, Lauren plans to further her education and wildlife research in graduate school, and eventually receive her PhD. She hopes to continue looking at the ways in which humans, wildlife, and domesticated animals interact, and how we as a people can be more educated and more proactive about wildlife management and conservation.
Jamie Raupp, B.S. Candidate and Lab Graphic Artist
Jamie is an undergraduate researcher pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife with a concentration in Conservation Biology, and a minor in Environmental Science and Sustainability. She is interested in utilizing quantitative methods to answer questions related to conservation and environmental justice. In RECaP, Jamie is the lab's graphic artist and her research relates to the ways in which science can be better communicated so as to improve science accessibility. She is also involved with the Snares to Wares Initiative and seeks to aid in the development of new efforts within the initiative.
After graduation, Jamie plans to attend graduate school to continue research in wildlife conservation. Her research interests include large carnivore ecology, human dimensions within conservation, and the effects of climate change on population dynamics.
After graduation, Jamie plans to attend graduate school to continue research in wildlife conservation. Her research interests include large carnivore ecology, human dimensions within conservation, and the effects of climate change on population dynamics.
Sara Ang, B.S. Candidate
Sara is an undergraduate student working towards her Bachelors of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a planned concentration is both Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and Management and a minor in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. She is interested in both fisheries and wildlife ecology. Within RECaP, Sara is a part of the Sierra Nevada Black Bear Project where she works to identify the wildlife species in the Sierra Nevada region of Nevada.
After graduating, Sara hopes to pursue a career path related to Fisheries and/or Wildlife conservation and research that explores the consequences of climate change on animal behavior, movement, and survival.
After graduating, Sara hopes to pursue a career path related to Fisheries and/or Wildlife conservation and research that explores the consequences of climate change on animal behavior, movement, and survival.
Abby Comar, B.S. Candidate
Abby is an undergraduate student currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife within Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University. She plans to concentrate in Conservation Biology and is concurrently pursuing a minor in Spanish. Within RECaP, Abby assists in the population estimation of black bears in the Sierra Nevada region of Nevada.
After graduation, Abby plans to pursue further studies in wildlife conservation. She is particularly interested in human-wildlife dynamics and hopes to explore the ways in which human perceptions of wildlife can alter the directionality of conservation practice.
After graduation, Abby plans to pursue further studies in wildlife conservation. She is particularly interested in human-wildlife dynamics and hopes to explore the ways in which human perceptions of wildlife can alter the directionality of conservation practice.
Roxy Lisowsky, B.S. Candidate
Roxy is an undergraduate student currently working towards her Bachelor of Science in Zoology with concentrations in Zoo and Aquarium studies and Animal Behavior on a Pre-Veterinary track. She is also a member of the Honors College. Within RECaP, Roxy helps with the Sierra Nevada Black Bear project by sorting and tagging images captured by the remotely triggered camera traps.
After graduating from MSU, Roxy will pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and wants to focus on exotic endangered animals, particularly big cats. She plans on also continuing her research career continuing with carnivore ecology and helping to support conservation efforts.
After graduating from MSU, Roxy will pursue a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and wants to focus on exotic endangered animals, particularly big cats. She plans on also continuing her research career continuing with carnivore ecology and helping to support conservation efforts.
Lab Alumni
Graduate Students
- Dr. Steven Gray, Ph.D. graduate (2019). Presently – Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology, Population Management Center at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Symon Masiaine, M.S. graduate (2019). Presently – Wildlife Biologist at San Diego Zoo Global, Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya
- Dr. Remington Moll, Ph.D. graduate (2018). Presently - Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of New Hampshire
- Njambi Maingi, M.S. graduate (2018). Presently - Researcher for the Big Life Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
- Kyle Redilla, M.S. graduate (2017). Presently - Robotics Programmer at ARC Engineering Solutions, Inc.
- Arthur Muneza, M.S. graduate (2016). Presently - East Africa Coordinator for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Ph.D. student in the Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey (RECaP) Laboratory
Undergraduate Students
- Charlie Booher, B.S. graduate (2020), Presently - M.S. student in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Montana
- Ashley Kimmel, B.S. graduate (2020), Presently - DVM student in the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU
- Mallory Verch, B.S. graduate (2019). Presently – M.S. student in Wildlife Ecology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Jeremiah Eaton, B.S. graduate (2019), Presently – Research Assistant with USGS in Montana
- David Heit, B.S. graduate (2018), Presently - M.S. student in Wildlife Ecology and Management at the University of New Hampshire
- Waldemar Ortiz, B.S. graduate (2018), Presently - M.S. student in Wildlife Conservation at the University of Montana
- Clara Lepard, B.S. graduate (2017), Presently - Rhodes Scholar M.S. student at Oxford University
- Mollie Liskiewicz, B.S. graduate (2016), Presently - Wildlife Biologist at the Bureau of Land Management
