Lydia M. Hopper

Dr. Lydia M. Hopper serves as Associate Professor and Director of Behavioral Management in the Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She holds leadership roles as Editor-in-Chief of Animal Behavior and Cognition, Executive Secretary of the American Society of Primatologists, and co-chair of the Association of Primate Veterinarians/American Society of Primatologists joint working group.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc in Psychology from University of Liverpool (2004)
• PhD in Psychology from University of St Andrews (2008)

Hopper's research employs comparative methodologies to investigate social learning, innovation, and cooperation across human and non-human primates, with direct applications to captive animal welfare enhancement. Her work bridges laboratory, zoo, and sanctuary settings to develop evidence-based welfare assessment protocols and improve research model validity through behavioral interventions.

Recent publications reveal strong thematic focus on primate cognition (particularly macaques and chimpanzees), with emerging work on gut microbiome health monitoring and pharmacological approaches to anxiety management. Her collaborative projects emphasize cross-institutional frameworks for primate care standards and ethical retirement protocols in biomedical contexts.

She directs behavioral management programs integrating research findings into practical welfare applications, notably through partnerships with Chimp Haven sanctuary and development of novel assessment techniques for diverse primate species. Her leadership extends to major editorial and organizational roles shaping primatology research standards and conservation practices globally.