1. What do you study related to biodiversity (what are your research questions, what organisms do you work on)?
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 I have co-initiated ongoing programs in Kenya (Tsavo Lions), Uganda (African Biodiversity Training Program), Mozambique and Bhutan, and was a co-Primary Investigator on our Democratic Republic of Congo Program (PBEATRA). I study biodiversity by documenting small mammal faunas (primarily) and bird faunas (secondarily) in montane (mountain) ecosystems which may or may not be protected. Research questions include the origins and relationships of montane faunas, species diversity and distribution, and alpha-taxonomy.
I have also had a primary interest in the study of carnivores and the dynamics of predation. This includes the susceptibility of various species to predation based on demographic and socio-biological variables. These species include lions, leopards, hyaenas, owls, and eagles.
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2. How do you study biodiversity (for example, what technological tools and methodologies do you use in your research)?
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Believe it or not, I use 19th century techniques; including museum collections, and primary literature and type-specimen review. I also collect parasites and especially tissues for the more contemporary genetic research of various collaborators and students.
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3. Where do you study biodiversity?
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Over the past several years I have worked in: Mt. Namuli (Mozambique), Bwindi-Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Echuya Forest(Uganda), and Black Mountain National Park (Bhutan).
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4. How might your research have implications for biological conservation?
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Basically, our research documents species distribution and diversity and through this, levels of endangerment and endemism. The surveys produce species lists with habitat associations so that conservation decisions can be prioritized. Finally our programs always train host-country colleagues and enhance their facilities. This guarantees that capacities are in place for local biologists to continue programs in biological documentation and conservation research.
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5. How did you become interested in science? What made you want to be a scientist, and how did you get to The Field Museum?
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I grew up across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo and spent every day after school with the zookeepers. At Beloit College, I went to Kenya for a field term abroad and that has been decisive in my career choice. I started at Field museum, doing research while a graduate student at the University of Chicago (starting 1977).
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