Brandi Wren
brandiwren@gmail.com | Colorado Springs, CO | Linkedin.com/in/brandi-wren
EDUCATION
Ph.D. / Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 2013
Dissertation: Behavioral Ecology of Primate-Parasite Interactions
M.A. / Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 2006
Thesis: Gastrointestinal Parasites of the Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus [Cercopithecus] aethiops) at a Sanctuary in Limpopo Province, South Africa
B.A./ Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 1999
TEACHING APPOINTMENTS
2021-2022 Colorado College, Anthropology Visiting Lecturer
2021-2022 Purdue University, Anthropology Limited Term Lecturer
2019-2020 Colorado College, Anthropology Visiting Lecturer
2018-2019 Purdue University, Anthropology Limited Term Lecturer
2017-2018 Colorado College, Anthropology Visiting Lecturer
2015-2016 Purdue University, Anthropology Limited Term Lecturer
2012-2013 Purdue University, Anthropology Limited Term Lecturer
2007-2011 Ball State University, Anthropology Instructor
2005 Ball State University, Anthropology Graduate Instructor
COURSES TAUGHT
Classroom
Biological Bases of Human Social Behavior
Primatology
Primate Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
Introduction to Biological Anthropology & Human Evolution
Fundamentals of Biological Anthropology Lab
Biodiversity, Adaptation, and Human Behavior
Field
Field Primatology
Wilderness First Aid
Primates of South Africa
Online
Primate Behavior
The Great Apes
Biological Bases of Human Social Behavior
Human Origins
Courses Assisted (TA)
Introduction to Biological Anthropology & Human Evolution
Introduction to Anthropology
Introduction to Archaeology
Biodiversity, Adaptation, and Human Behavior
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
PUBLICATIONS
*Mentored graduate students
Edited Volumes
Ray, I.S., & Wren, B.T. (In press).Contracting and consulting: Crafting a career. In N.M. Dorfeld (Ed.), The Invisible Professor: A blueprint for adjunct faculty. Colorado State University Press
Wren, B.T. (2019). Biological complexity in primate sociality and health. In T.R. Turner, C. Schmitt, & J. Danzy Cramer (Eds.), Savanna Monkeys: The Genus Chlorocebus (pp. 133-140). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/9781139019941.011
Refereed Journal Articles
Wren, B.T., Ray, I.S., Remis, M., Gillespie, T.R., & Camp, J. (2021). Social contact behaviors are associated with infection status for Trichuris sp. in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus). PLOS ONE, 16(4):e0240872. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240872
Ray, I.S.*, Wren, B.T., & Bowers, E.J. (2017). Species Density of Galago moholi at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa. African Primates, 12:1-8. http://www.primate- sg.org/african-primates-volume-12/
Ray, I.S.*, Wren, B.T., Bowers, & E.J. (2016). Brief Communication: Documentation of Plant Consumption by Galago moholi. African Primates, 11(1):45-48. http://www.primate- sg.org/african-primates-volume-11/
Wren, B.T., Remis, M.J., Camp, J.W., & Gillespie, T.R. (2016). Number of Grooming Partners is Associated with Hookworm Infection in Wild Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Folia Primatologica, 87(3):168-179. doi:10.1159/000448709
Wren, B.T., Gillespie, T.R., Camp, J.W., & Remis, M.J. (2015). Helminths of Vervet Monkeys, Chlorocebus aethiops, from Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa. Comparative Parasitology, 82(1):101-108. https://doi.org/10.1654/4712RR.1
Conference Proceedings
Fish, K., Bresnan, C., Ray, I., & Wren, B. (2018). Assessing gum availability in bushbaby (Galago moholi and Otolemur crassicaudatus) habitat at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and Leshiba Wilderness Reserve, South Africa. 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropology Abstract Book, 86. [Poster Abstract]
Bresnan, C., Fish, K., Ray, I., & Wren, B. (2018). Bushbaby (Galago moholi) nest site activity during the dry season at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, South Africa. 87th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropology Abstract Book, 86. [Poster Abstract]
Wren, B.T., Remis, M.J., & Gillespie, T.R. (2012). It is better to receive than to give: costs and benefits of social grooming in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 147(S54), 306. [Paper Abstract]
GRANTS, AWARDS, & HONORS
2021 Invitation for Full Membership into Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Honor Society
2018 Supervisor: Student Grant, Community Service/Service Learning Projects, Purdue Student Service Learning Grant Program, Purdue University
2010 Dept. of Anthropology Special Project Award, Purdue University ($200)
2008 L.S.B. Leakey Foundation Research Grant ($11,129)
2008 Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant ($22,659)
2008 Graduate School Summer Research Grant, Purdue University ($2,000)
2007 Recognizable Graduate Student Award, Ball State University
2006 Best Student Paper, 122nd Annual Meeting of the Indiana Academy of Science
2006 University Internal Research Grant, Ball State University ($250)
2003-2005 Dept. of Anthropology Byron L. Troyer Grant, Ball State University ($750)
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2022- Member, IUCN Commission on Education and Communication
2021 Reviewer: Acta Ethologica, African Primates, Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine
2020 Reviewer: Acta Ethologica
2019 Reviewer: The Journal of Parasitology, PLOS ONE
2017-2018 Program Committee, International Primatological Society 2018 Congress, Nairobi
2017 Reviewer: Integrative Zoology, Animal Behavior Society
2016 Reviewer: Tropical Conservation Science, University of Toronto Press, Journal of Human-Wildlife Interaction, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Animal Behavior Society
2014 Reviewer: Animal Behavior Society
2011 Reviewer: African Journal of Ecology
2008-2009 Student Representative, Governing Board, Mid-West Primate Interest Group
1998-1999 Secretary/Treasurer, Anthropology Club, Ball State University
1998-1999 VIP Connection (student mentoring program), Ball State University
GRADUATE STUDENTS ADVISED
Keesha Chetty MSc, Nature Conservation | Nelson Mandela University | 2022
Supervisor
Thesis title: Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) crop raiding patterns and farmer perceptions of deterrent methods in Waboomskraal and Herold agricultural areas in the Western Cape, South Africa
Ian Ray MA, Anthropology | Ball State University | 2014
Mentor
Thesis title: Species density of the Southern lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi) at Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa, with notes on habitat preference
SERVICE & OUTREACH
2021- Volunteer Grantwriter, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance
2019 Invited Talk, Primate Behavior course (Spring semester), Colorado College: “Primate Health & Social Behavior” (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
2017 Invited Talk, Kokomo Center Schools Fifth Graders: Primate Conservation (Kokomo, Indiana)
2016 Invited Talk, Treasure Coasts Humanists: “Morality and Fairness in Non-human Animals – Links Between Social Behavior and Health” (Stuart, Florida)
2006 Internship, Vervet Monkey Foundation, Tzaneen, South Africa
2005-2007 Fundraiser, The Primate Sanctuary, Inc., Niagara Falls, NY
1999 Keeper’s Assistant, Indianapolis Zoo
ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
Discussant
2012 Roundtable, The Field & The Lab: Primate Ethology in the –omic Age. Primate Interest Group, 81st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Portland, Oregon. Organizer: Gary Aronsen. (Apr 11-14, 2012).
Papers Presented
Wren, B.T. (2017). Grooming behaviours in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) are associated with whipworm infection. 15 th Annual Conference of the South African Primate Ecology and Genetics Group, Swadini, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, South Africa (Jul 7-9, 2017).
Wren, B.T. (2014). Effects of male migrations on intergroup encounters in wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). 12th Annual Conference of the South African Primate Ecology and Genetics Group, Cradle of Humankind, South Africa (Jun 27-29, 2014).
Wren, B.T., Remis, M.J., & Gillespie, T.R. (2012). It is better to receive than to give: costs and benefits of social grooming in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). 81st Annual Meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Portland, Oregon (Apr 11-14, 2012).
Wren, B.T., Remis, M.J., & Gillespie, T.R. (2010). Social grooming in primates: Hygienic or health risk? 23rd Congress of the International Primatological Society, Kyoto, Japan (Sept 12-18, 2010).
Wren, B.T. (2006). Gastrointestinal parasites of the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus [Cercopithecus] aethiops) at a sanctuary in Limpopo Province, South Africa. 122nd Annual Meeting of the Indiana Academy of Science, Muncie, IN (Nov 2-3, 2006).
Wren, B.T. (2006). Gastrointestinal parasites of the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus [Cercopithecus] aethiops) in South Africa: Implications for Conservation. 3rd Annual Meeting of the Midwest Primate Interest Group, Urbana, IL (Oct 13-14, 2006).
ADDITIONAL TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
2021 IMPACT X+ Training Course – Faculty Learning Community Summer 2021, Center for Instructional Excellence, Purdue University
2020 Workshop: Field Trip/Study Abroad Emergency Scenarios, Center for Global Ed and Field Study, Colorado College
2016-2018 Certified Wilderness First Aid Instructor, American Safety & Health Institute
2016 Snake Awareness Certification, African Snakebite Institute
2015-2015 Wilderness First Aid, CPR & AED Certified, American Safety & Health Institute
2008 Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modeling International Workshop: Collection and analysis of field data for estimation of primate density or abundance, St. Andrews, Scotland
2005 Field Biology Course: South Africa Wildlife Management; Dept. of Biology, Ball State University & Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria
2004 Researcher, Biological Evaluation: Cooper Woods Handicap Accessible Trail, Dept. of Biology, Ball State University
2004 Data Collector, Dept. of Natural Resources deer check station, Nashville, IN
2004 Small mammal trapper and data collector, Cooper Farm, Ball State University
2004 Researcher, White-tailed deer day-bed use in Cooper Woods, Dept. of Biology, Ball State University
2003 Continuing Education Course: Surgical Nursing Care in Small Animals
1997 Field Biology Course: Field Biology of Belize, Dept. of Biology, Ball State University, Belize, Central America
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
2021- National Coalition of Independent Scholars
2018-2019 Society for Conservation Biology
2009-2019 Animal Behavior Society
2008-2019 American Association of Physical Anthropologists
2007-2010 American Association for the Advancement of Science
2006-2010 Indiana Academy of Science
2004- International Primatological Society
2001-2013American Society of Primatologists
ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT
2012- Self-employed Captionist for the D/deaf
2014-2018 Sepela Field Programs Director & Instructor
2007-2011 Purdue University, Disability Resources Captionist for the D/deaf
2003-2006 The Wren’s Nest Pet-Sitting Service Owner/Pet-sitter
2002-2004 Eagle Creek Animal Clinic Veterinary Technician
2001-2002 Animal Medical Clinic of Fruitville Road Veterinarian’s Assistant
PRESS
2021 “Monkeys are less cuddly with each other when dealing with an infection, study finds.” https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/471342
2016 “Do animals have morals?” https://www.tcpalm.com/story/reader-submitted/martin- county/2016/02/05/do-animals-have-morality/89266432/
2016 “A Zoo Biologist’s Lesson’s From the Wild” (about field course). https://lebeagle.qcbs.ca/blog/a-zoo-biologists-lessons-from-the-wild/