My CV
Lauren A Stanton, M.Sc.
Research Interests
Animal behavior & cognition | urban ecology | human-wildlife coexistence
Education
2014 – December 2020
Doctor of Philosophy Candidate – Program in Ecology
University of Wyoming, Adviser: Sarah Benson-Amram Ph.D.
Dissertation: : Experimental Investigations of Cognition in Highly Adaptable Species
2013
Master of Science – Animal Behavior
Manchester Metropolitan University
Thesis: A standardized ethogram for the Felidae: A tool for behavioral researchers
Awarded with Distinction (high honors)
2007
Bachelor of Science – Animal Sciences
University of Maryland
Peer-Reviewed Publications (*Equal contribution first authorship; manuscript number provided for those in review)
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Stanton, L., Bridge, E, Huizinga, J, Johnson, S, Young, J, & Benson-Amram, S. 2020. Reversal learning in three highly adaptable generalists. Animal Cognition
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Schell, C, Stanton, L, Young, J, Breck, S, Angeloni, L, Lambert, J, & Murray, M. 2020. The evolutionary consequences of human-wildlife conflict in cities. Evo Apps
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Barrett, L.*, Stanton, L.*, and Benson-Amram, S. 2018 “The cognition of ‘nuisance’ animals.” Animal Behaviour
*Equal contribution authorship.
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Stanton, L., Davis, E., Johnson, S., Gilbert, A., and Benson-Amram, S. 2017. “Adaptation of the Aesop’s Fable paradigm for use with raccoons (Procyon lotor): considerations for future application in non‐avian and non‐primate species.” Animal Cognition, 20(6):1147-1152.
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Stanton, L., Sullivan, M., and Fazio, J. 2015. “A Standardized Ethogram for the Felidae: A Tool for Behavioral Researchers.” Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 173:3-16.
Publications in Preparation († mentee lead manuscript; ‡ dissertation chapter)
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†Fanelli, R, Stanton, L., McDonald, D., & Benson-Amram, S. Community dynamics and information transmission in raccoons (Procyon lotor). (Data collection & analysis complete; writing underway)
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‡Stanton, L., Evans, J., Bridge, E., Huizinga, J., McDonald, D., & Benson-Amram, S. Social behavior and cognitive performance in wild mesocarnivores. (Data collection complete; analysis underway)
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‡Stanton, L. & Benson-Amram, S. Learning and problem solving in a wild population of urban mesocarnivores. (Data collection complete; analysis underway)
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†Hunt, J, Owino, R, Goheen, J, Mong, T, Knox, M, & Stanton, L. Personality of dik-dik (Madoqua guentheri) along a human-use gradient. (Data collection & analysis complete; writing underway)
Grants, Fellowships, & Awards
2020 Carlton R. Barkhurst Dissertation Fellowship, University of Wyoming
2019 Dick and Lynne Cheney Study-Abroad Grant, University of Wyoming
2018 Dr. George E. Menkens Memorial Scholarship, University of Wyoming
2018 Berry Ecology Center Grant, University of Wyoming
2017 Arts & Sciences Dean’s Graduate Scholar Award, University of Wyoming
2017 Graduate Research Fellowship, Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium
2017 Student Research and Creative Activities Grant, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources
2016 Travel Award, EPSCoR Wyoming Women in Science and Engineering Program
2016 Outreach Award, Laramie Audubon Society
2014 L Floyd Clarke Graduate Scholar Award, University of Wyoming
2011 Vice-Chancellor Scholarship, Manchester Metropolitan University
Research Presentations & Invited Talks
2020 Experimental investigation of mesocarnivore behavior & cognition
USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Laporte, CO (forthcoming)
2019 Evaluating the Behavioral Plasticity of Urban Carnivores
56th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Chicago, IL
2018 Discrimination and Reversal Learning in Raccoons, Skunks and Coyotes
International Society for Behavioral Ecology Meeting, Minneapolis, MN
2017 Learning, problem solving, and behavioral flexibility in raccoons and striped skunks
54th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Toronto, Canada
2017 Learning, problem solving, and behavioral flexibility in raccoons and striped skunks
International Urban Wildlife Conference, San Diego, CA
2017 University of Wyoming Raccoon Project: Who We Are
Presented with Rachel Fanelli, Izaak Walton League of America
2016 Community Outreach with the University of Wyoming Raccoon Project Presented with Rachel Fanelli, Laramie Audubon Society
2016 Investigation of Causal Understanding in Raccoons Using the Aesop’s Fable Paradigm, 53th Annual Conference of the Animal Behavior Society, Columbia, MO
2015 Problem Solving in Human-Altered Environments
Communicating Science Public Event, Altitude Chophouse and Brewery, Laramie
2014 Ex Situ Work with Wildlife and Exotic Animals
The Wildlife Society (student chapter), University of Wyoming
2013 A Standardized Ethogram for the Felidae: A Tool for Behavioral Researchers
Association of Zoos and Aquariums Felid TAG Meeting, Jacksonville, FL
Select Media Coverage
2018 Science Friday: "Raccoons: Tricky Trash Pandas Or Misunderstood Masterminds?"
2018 Right to Roam: "Trash Pandas and Polecats…Affectionately of Course!"
2018 Smithsonian Magazine: “How Humans Created the Ultimate Superpests”
2018 IFLS: “Smarter Animals Are Bigger Mischief-Makers”
2018 WyoFile: “Are Some Animals Too Smart for Their Own Good?”
2018 National Geographic: “Can Animals Be Creative?”
2017 BBC World Service: “Meet the Raccoons that solved an ancient puzzle”
2017 Le Monde: “Le raton laveur, Archimède en herbe”
2017 National Geographic: “Raccoons Pass Famous Intelligence Test—By Upending It”
2017 IFLS: “Rebel Raccoon Solves Ancient Greek Puzzle in Entirely Unexpected Way”
2017 Wyoming Public Radio: “New Study Pits Laramie Raccoons Against an Ancient Greek Fable”
2017 WyoFile: “The raccoon and the marshmallow”
2017 Daily Mail: “Watch clever raccoons solve Aesop's Crow and the Pitcher puzzle to get floating marshmallows”
2016 Wyoming Public Radio: “From Pests to Puzzle Solvers, Scientists Study Laramie's Raccoons”
2015 Critter Patter Radio Show: “Interview with the University of Wyoming Raccoon Project”
2015 Laramie Boomerang: “Keeping Watch”
Professional Services & Memberships
2016 – 2018 Reviewer: Animal Behavior & Cognition, Animal Cognition, International Journal of Comparative Psychology, PeerJ, Scientific Reports, Journal of Mammalogy, Zoo Biology
2015 – 2018 Member: 500 Women Scientists, Animal Behavior Society, Graduate Women in Science, University of Wyoming Graduate Student Network, Wyoming Chapter of The Wildlife Society
2017 – 2019 Graduate Student Mentor, Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming
2017 – 2018 Co-president: Program in Ecology, University of Wyoming
Teaching Experience
2019 Ecology of African Savannas – Teaching Assistantship, Mpala Research Center
2017 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2016 Mammalogy – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2016 Advanced Animal Behavior – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2015 Zoology – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2015 Biology – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2014 Biology – Teaching Assistantship, University of Wyoming
2009 English (as a second language) - CCAA (language School), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2005 Photography– Teaching Assistantship, University of Maryland
Select Work & Research Experience
2015 – 2016 Project Manager – University of Wyoming Raccoon Project
Managed the UWRP (e.g., monitoring wild raccoons, humane trapping and handling of raccoons, data collection, and public outreach.) and mentored seven undergraduate students.
2013 – 2014 Animal Keeper – Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Responsible for the care and enrichment of southern white rhino, plains zebra, African leopard, various African birds, arctic fox and polar bear.
2010 – 2013 Veterinary Technician – Maryland Avian & Exotic Veterinary Care
Independently administered veterinary care and assisted lead veterinarian in appointments and surgical procedures. Species included various birds, reptiles, and small mammals kept as pets.
2008 – 2009 Wildlife Recovery Intern– Centros de Triagem de Animais Silvestres
Managed the care of South American wildlife at a federal rehabilitation center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2007 – 2011 Research Intern & Keeper Aide– Smithsonian National Zoological Park Preformed data collection and analysis of sloth bear behavioral research, and supported animal keepers with the care, maintenance, and enrichment of various wild and endangered animals.
2002 – 2003 Rehabilitation Intern – Second Chance Wildlife Center
Responsible for the care and release of various North American birds, reptiles and mammals.
Public Education & Outreach Events
2018 USDA/NWRC Open House – Public tour of captive coyote facility in Millville, UT
2017 Tour de Coop – Distributed materials at a predator-proofing workshop hosted by Laramie Local Foods
2017 Women in STEM Conference – Presentation and activities for female middle and high school students
2016 Beitel Elementary School – Presentation on animal behavior/enrichment research for 4th grade students
2016 Laramie Farmers Market – Distributed materials about the UWRP and humane wildlife conflict resolution
2016 Laramie High School – Coordinated a lecture on animal behavior research delivered by the UWRP
2016 Wyoming STEM – Presentation and activities (e.g., camera traps, crafts, radio telemetry) for young children
2016 Brain Awareness Night – Held a booth on animal puzzles and cognition research for adults and children
2016 Wyoming State Science Fair – Presentation on animal behavior research for students of various ages
2016 Women in STEM Conference – Presentation and activities for female middle and high school students
2016 Wyoming STEM – Presentation and activities (e.g., camera traps, crafts, radio telemetry) for young children
2015 Girl Scouts in Science – Presentation and activities (e.g., making behavioral observations) on wildlife research
2015 Beitel Elementary School – Presentation and activities (camera traps, radio telemetry) for 4thgrade students
2015 Laramie Farmer’s Market – Distributed materials about the UWRP and humane wildlife conflict resolution
2015 Albany County Public Library – Presentation and activities (e.g., camera traps, radio telemetry) for “tweens”
2015 Albany County Public Library – Presentation and activities (e.g., camera traps, crafts) for young children
Mentorship
To date, I have mentored nine University of Wyoming undergraduate students who either worked directly with me or as technicians for the broader University of Wyoming Raccoon Project. Each student has received training on many aspects of our work, which includes monitoring the local raccoon population using trail cameras, tracking the raccoons using radio telemetry, data management, raccoon immobilization, and participating in public outreach and education. Those students that work directly with me gain additional experience conducting experiments and behavioral coding.