I am a behavioral ecologist at Kyoto University's Primate Research Institute working predominantly on the intersection between animal behavior and parasitism. Though with humble beginnings on the prairies of North America, I was always drawn to exotic places with their suites of charismatic species. Fortunately, my work has since taken me to these far-off places, where I've worked at field sites in Central America, West Africa, East and Southeast Asia and even Antarctica. I have studied primates, mainly, but also seabirds (penguins) and a few other animal species over the years, most recently the invasive raccoon dogs of Yakushima. Students in my lab almost always combine field and laboratory work to enrich their experiences, and try to address both theoretical and practical issues. I teach a variety of courses related to behavioral biology and am a strong proponent of critical thinking, analytical reasoning and the communication of science.