Caroline E. Jones

Caroline E. Jones is a Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, where she bridges primatology, comparative psychology, and evolutionary anthropology. Her research focuses on non-human primate social cognition and tool use, particularly in extractive foraging contexts, with extensive collaborations at Zoo Atlanta, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Ross Park Zoo to advance public education and conservation outreach.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Alfred University
• Master of Science in Psychology, University of Georgia
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, University of Georgia

Dr. Jones' research integrates behavioral biology, ethology, and cognitive ecology to explore primate evolution, manual dexterity, and social dynamics. Her work emphasizes wildlife conservation and STEM communication, leveraging zoo partnerships to translate academic research into public engagement initiatives that foster community education and scientific literacy.

Her publication record reveals consistent focus on primate locomotion, vocal communication, dietary adaptations, and manual function across Africa, Latin America, and North America, demonstrating methodological versatility through observational studies, isotopic analysis, and experimental designs in both captive and wild settings.

Scientific Awards:

• Charles and Bette Smock Developmental Psychology Award (2020)
• Richard L. Marsh Mentoring Award (2020)
• Summer Research Award for Doctoral Students (2019)
• Tinker Graduate Field Research Award (2015)
• Alfred Research DuBois Biology Research Award (2012)
• Alfred University SAXON SIX Award (2012)

As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Jones founded and chaired UGA's Behavioral and Brain Sciences Program Mentoring Committee, receiving the Richard L. Marsh Mentoring Award for her reciprocal mentorship philosophy. She secured multiple research grants including the Campus Sustainability Grant and Service-Learning Support Grant to fund primate behavior studies and community education initiatives, emphasizing collaborative mentorship culture.

Her research operations involve the Primate Cognition and Behavior Laboratory at the University of Georgia and strategic partnerships with major zoological institutions where she designs artificial termite mounds and observational protocols to study gorilla social behavior and capuchin foraging dynamics in controlled environments.