Cristina Gomes

Dr. Cristina Gomes is a **Research Assistant Professor** and **Assistant Director of the Tropical Conservation Institute** at Florida International University's School of Environment, Arts and Society. She specializes in primate behavioral ecology and conservation, focusing on cooperative behavior in humans and non-human primates. Her work integrates field research with applied conservation initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems and supporting local communities.

**Education**: Zoology (Universidad Central de Venezuela, Venezuela) and Evolutionary Anthropology (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany).

**Research Interests**: Investigating proximate and ultimate factors driving cooperative behavior, primate social structures, and biodiversity conservation strategies. Fieldwork conducted across Ivory Coast, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Uganda, Congo, and North America.

**Programs**: Oversees applied conservation and education programs since 2017, designing initiatives to safeguard wildlife habitats while improving human health and livelihoods in affected regions.

**Awards**: None explicitly listed in the text.

**Affiliations**: Tropical Conservation Institute (since 2017), School of Environment, Arts and Society.