Academic History
Ph.D., Behavior, Ecology, Evolution, & Systematics, University of Maryland, College Park, 2008
M.A., Psychology, California State University, San Marcos, 2001
B.A., Psychology, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 1996
B.A., Animal Behavior and Primates, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 1996

I am interested in how social and environmental pressures impact the behavior of animals. My past and current research has involved many species: wrens, thirteen-lined ground squirrels, and several species of primates. My current projects include: 1) examining the effect of infants on group dynamics and group travel in two primate species, 2) determining the proper analytical tools and protocol for assessing spatial ranging, 3) exploring the methods by which monkey groups can establish and maintain territories, and 4) assessing how hormonal profiles are influenced by and influence group dynamics. I greatly enjoy collaborating with students in research and in teaching. My teaching interests include areas of biopsychology (animal behavior, neuroscience, sensation & perception, etc.), statistics, and research design.

Expertise
Animal Behavior/Comparative Psychology
Behavioral Ecology

Selected Publications
Oliveira LC, Hankerson S, Dietz JM, Raboy BE. 2010. Key tree species for the golden-headed lion
     tamarin and implications for shade-cocoa management in southern Bahia, Brazil. Animal Conservation 13: 60-70.

Hankerson SJ, Franklin SP, Dietz JM. 2007. Tree and forest characteristics influence sleeping site
     choice by golden lion tamarins. American Journal of Primatology 69: 976-988.

Franklin SP, Hankerson SJ, Baker AJ, Dietz JM. 2007. Golden lion tamarin sleeping site use and pre-
     retirement behavior during intense predation. American Journal of Primatology 69: 325-335.

Hankerson SJ, Dietz JM, Raboy BE. 2006. Associations between golden-headed lion tamarins and the
     bird community in the Atlantic Forest of Southern Bahia. International Journal of Primatology
     27: 487-495.

Hankerson SJ, Caine NG. 2004. Pre-retirement encounters alter the morning behavior of captive
     marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi). American Journal of Primatology 63: 75-85.