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Ryan S. Rothman
I am an ecologist and zoologist working on the first year of my IDPAS doctoral degree in Primate Behavior, and have recently focused my research in tropical rainforest habitats. I completed my Master of Research degree in Tropical Forest Ecology at Imperial College London in October of 2017, and my Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology at the University of St Andrews in June of 2016. My research interests thus far have focused primarily on the topics of animal-plant interactions, dispersal ecology, and ecosystem engineering.
Recent Research Experience
Madagascar
My masters thesis entitled "Does anthropogenic disturbance affect the diversity and size of seeds dispersed by lemurs?" was completed in August of 2017. For this research project I collected faecal samples from four diurnal lemur species in Ranomafana National Park across a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. I also led a 10-day research expedition to a newly discovered isolated rainforest fragment to collect lemur faecal samples. I extracted the seeds from the faeces in order to better understand Lemur catta diet and seed dispersal. This research is exciting as it will be the first study of L. catta in a tropical rainforest environment, as this species ordinarily inhabits dry deciduous forests, spiny bush, and scrublands. I have presented some of this research at the inaugural meeting of the Malagasy Primatological Society in Tamatave, Madagascar in December of 2017, and am excited to be presenting again at the International Primatological Society’s 27th Annual Congress in Nairobi, Kenya in August of 2018.
Malaysian Borneo
The Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) project is one of the world's largest ongoing ecological experiments. I took part on a 3-week field course which involved the taxonomic ID of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, and involved hands-on experience designing, collecting, and handling ecological, biogeochemical, and biodiversity data. I received valuable experience conducting research in both the secondary and primary rainforest environments.
South Africa
For my undergraduate dissertation research at the University of St Andrews, I collected data in the Greater Kruger National Park on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) damage to woody plants. Trees and shrubs were identified to the species, and damage to them by elephants was scored through time to investigate their role as ecosystem engineers in the bushveld.
Please Get in Touch!
ryan.rothman@stonybrook.edu
ryan.rothman1 (Skype)
+1 (631) 702-5608
(CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CV)
Recent Research Experience
Madagascar
My masters thesis entitled "Does anthropogenic disturbance affect the diversity and size of seeds dispersed by lemurs?" was completed in August of 2017. For this research project I collected faecal samples from four diurnal lemur species in Ranomafana National Park across a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. I also led a 10-day research expedition to a newly discovered isolated rainforest fragment to collect lemur faecal samples. I extracted the seeds from the faeces in order to better understand Lemur catta diet and seed dispersal. This research is exciting as it will be the first study of L. catta in a tropical rainforest environment, as this species ordinarily inhabits dry deciduous forests, spiny bush, and scrublands. I have presented some of this research at the inaugural meeting of the Malagasy Primatological Society in Tamatave, Madagascar in December of 2017, and am excited to be presenting again at the International Primatological Society’s 27th Annual Congress in Nairobi, Kenya in August of 2018.
Malaysian Borneo
The Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) project is one of the world's largest ongoing ecological experiments. I took part on a 3-week field course which involved the taxonomic ID of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, and involved hands-on experience designing, collecting, and handling ecological, biogeochemical, and biodiversity data. I received valuable experience conducting research in both the secondary and primary rainforest environments.
South Africa
For my undergraduate dissertation research at the University of St Andrews, I collected data in the Greater Kruger National Park on African elephant (Loxodonta africana) damage to woody plants. Trees and shrubs were identified to the species, and damage to them by elephants was scored through time to investigate their role as ecosystem engineers in the bushveld.
Please Get in Touch!
ryan.rothman@stonybrook.edu
ryan.rothman1 (Skype)
+1 (631) 702-5608
(CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CV)
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