Dr. Noviar Andayani, Director of the WCS Indonesia Program and Professor of Biology at the University of Indonesia visited our department April 4-6. Dr. Andayani and Dr. Tosi, have been close friends since working together 20 years ago at the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation at Columbia University, NYC. They have overlapping interests in primate evolution and conservation.
For 16 years, Dr. Andayani has been leading efforts to identify and protect genetically unique populations of plants and animals across Indonesia. Though she leads several programs throughout the country, her expertise in primate studies has allowed her to remain directly involved in projects monitoring orangutans and gibbons, especially the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch).
During her visit to KSU, Dr. Andayani met several of our faculty, toured our genetics and experimental archaeology laboratories, observed a Master’s defense, and discussed research with many of our graduate students. We also discussed potential areas for collaboration in primate studies.
We enjoyed Dr. Andayani’s visit and look forward to seeing her again.
