Shirley C. Strum

Shirley C. Strum is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UC San Diego. Her research focuses on primate behavior, conservation, and science studies. She earned her doctorate in anthropology from UC Berkeley and has conducted a 38-year study of Kenyan baboons, examining aggression, social strategies, and socioecology. She splits her time between Kenya and UCSD, residing on campus during the Spring term.

Education:

• PhD in Anthropology, UC Berkeley

Research Interests: Her work integrates biological anthropology with conservation practices, emphasizing baboon cognition, pest management strategies, and community-based conservation. She explores ethical dimensions of nature and cultural aspects of modern conservation efforts.

Publications & Media: Her research appears in National Geographic, Natural History, and academic journals. Documentaries featuring her work, such as Baboon Tales, have garnered international awards. She also authored children's books (Wild Things series) to bridge science and public engagement.

Labs/Teams: Leads the long-term study of the Pumphouse Gang baboon population. Collaborates with organizations like the African Conservation Centre and Conservation Africa to advance conservation initiatives.