PhD student, The University of Texas at Austin, United States
Riley N. Derby is a dedicated researcher in the field of biological anthropology, focusing on primate behavior and ecology. With extensive experience in field research and a passion for conservation, Riley has contributed significantly to our understanding of social relationships among primates, particularly gorillas and chimpanzees. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Texas at Austin, Riley combines academic excellence with active engagement in various research projects and teaching roles.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education 🎓
Riley is currently a PhD student in Biological Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin (2022-Present). Previously, Riley earned an M.S. in Primate Behavior and Ecology from Central Washington University (2019-2021), achieving a perfect GPA of 4.0. Riley’s academic journey began with a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin (2015-2019), where they also minored in History and concentrated on Biological Anthropology.
Experience 🛠️
Riley’s research experience includes collecting behavioral and biological data on gorillas and chimpanzees. As a researcher for the Bwindi Gorilla Project, Riley focuses on behavioral data collection and sample analysis. Additionally, Riley contributes to the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, furthering our understanding of primate behavior. Riley has also held teaching assistantships at both the University of Texas and Central Washington University, where they lectured, held office hours, and graded assignments.
Research Interests 🔬
Riley’s research interests lie in the social dynamics and behavioral ecology of primates. This includes studying the social relationships of mountain gorillas and the physical and social development of chimpanzees. Riley is particularly interested in how these social structures influence survival and reproduction, and how they can inform conservation strategies.
Awards 🏆
Riley has received numerous accolades for academic and research excellence. Notably, Riley maintained a perfect GPA during their master’s program and has been actively involved in several high-impact research projects. Riley’s dedication to primate research and conservation has been recognized through invitations to present at prestigious conferences and workshops.
Publications Top Notes 📚
Derby, R. N., Eckardt, W., Stoinski, T.S., Morrison, R.E., Sandel, A.A. (Accepted – Animal Behaviour). Female mountain gorillas form enduring social relationships.
Cited by: [Meeting of Midwest Primate Interest Group, St. Louis, MO (2023)].
Sandel, A. A., Derby, R. N., Chesterman, N. S., McNamara, A., Dudas, M. M., & Rawat, I. (2022). Parallel lasers and digital photography to estimate limb size of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda. Primates, 63(3), 217–224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-022-00982-6
Cited by: [Meeting of Texas Association of Biological Anthropology, Austin, TX (2022)].
Derby, R.N., Clift, J., Rawat, I., Reddy, R., Voyt, R.A., Sandel, A.A. (In prep). Variation in limb length and width in wild chimpanzees across adolescence and young adulthood.
Cited by: [American Association of Biological Anthropology, Los Angeles, CA (2024)].
Master’s Thesis: Derby, R.N., Mayhew, J.A., Sun, L., Martinez, C., Li, J-H. Playing with relatives: Genetic kinship and play behavior in juvenile Tibetan macaques.
Cited by: [New Directions in Anthropology Seminar Series (2023)]