Website

Isa Walker

Master's Student

Wildlife Research Center (Kyoto)

Research

I am a first-year master’s student with a background in primate behavior and welfare, driven by a long-term commitment to understanding and protecting nonhuman primates and the ecosystems they inhabit. I am currently investigating how climate and environmental change, particularly forest conversion, shape the feeding ecology and behavior of Bornean orangutans. My work examines links between ecosystem biodiversity and immune function by exploring differences in diet composition and inflammation levels among individuals living in disturbed versus less-disturbed forest habitats. Through this research, I aim to better understand how environmental disruption affects primate health and behavior, with broader implications for conservation in rapidly changing landscapes.

Previously, I worked closely with chimpanzees at the Indianapolis Zoo, where I gained extensive experience in behavioral research, cognitive enrichment, and the ethical application of technology in animal care. During this time, I co-authored the paper “A Computer Vision Pipeline to Augment Touchscreen Tasks for Chimpanzees,” which focused on developing innovative tools to support cognitive research and enrichment for captive primates. This work deepened my interest in integrating technological approaches with animal behavior research and reinforced my desire to pursue longer-term field studies that can inform both scientific knowledge and conservation practice.

I am passionate about approaching science and conservation through creative, interdisciplinary perspectives. In addition to traditional research methods, I am interested in bridging gaps in science communication by integrating art, music, and creative writing into my work, making scientific knowledge more accessible and emotionally resonant. As a new master’s student, I am excited to embark on this research journey and look forward to beginning fieldwork soon. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to long-term studies that support the wellbeing of the Earth and all species that share the planet.