My current research focuses on the ecology of critically endangered Bornean orangutans in the Kinabatangan floodplain. I am investigating the relationships between gut microbiome composition, parasite transmission, and kinship dynamics, and how they are influenced by human disturbance—particularly land use conversion and habitat fragmentation. By integrating behavioral, ecological, and molecular data, I aim to better understand how anthropogenic pressures impact orangutan health, social structure, and long-term survival. I’m passionate about wildlife conservation and environmental education, I strive to bridge scientific research with impactful outreach. When I’m not in the lab or the field, I’m chasing adventure—exploring nature, cultures, and new perspectives.
Mack C., Ancrenaz M., Alsisto S., Kumar V.S., and Matsuda I. Influences on the Gut Microbiome in Wild Bornean Orangutans (P1-194). The 73rd Annual Meeting of the Ecological Society of Japan. Kyoto, Japan. March 11-15, 2026. Poster Presentation.
Mack C., Ancrenaz M., Alsisto S., Kumar V., and Matsuda I. Kinship and Microbial Diversity in Bornean Orangutans: A Study of a Fragmented Population. The 20th International Symposium on Primatology and Wildlife Science. Kyoto, Japan. November 16-17, 2025. Poster Presentation.
Mack C., Ancrenaz M., Alsisto S., Kumar V., and Matsuda I. Kinship and Microbial Diversity in Bornean Orangutans: A Study of a Fragmented Population (P02). Biodiversity and Wildlife 2025 Symposium. Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand. December 6-7, 2025. Poster Presentation.
Gazes, R.P., Albaitis, M.R. & Mack, C.L. The role of learning in territory defense by Madagascar hissing cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa). Animal Behavior Society Meeting, Baltimore MD, July 2025.
Mack, C. "Winner and Loser Effects in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa)" Bucknell University Honors Theses 610. 2022. https://digitalcommons.bucknell.edu/honors_theses/610
Albaitis, M.R., Mack, C.L., & Gazes, R.P. Conditioned Territory Defense in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa). International Conference on Comparative Cognition. Virtual. 2022. Poster Presentation.