Studying animals has taken University student Kyle Dexter all the way around the world.
"I've always been interested in studying animals from a general level," said Dexter, a third-year biology and environmental science major. "I want to get as much research experience in as many field research areas as possible."
Dexter began his studies in the summer of 2000 working at the Duke University Primate Research Center, where he observed Ring-tailed lemurs.
After designing his own independent project, he researched the incidental, or non-purposeful, sounds they make, trying to determine whether the monkeys are cognizant of them or not and whether or not they intend to make them.
He also observed lemurs on the move, trying to determine their preferred paths of travel. Whether, for example, they prefer to walk on logs, leaves or pathways created by humans.
Deciding to continue his research experience, Dexter traveled with another University student in the College, Matt Ounsworth, to Botswana last spring to observe herbivore ecology at the Harry Oppenheimer Okovango Research center.
Dexter lived in the modern town of Maun during his stay. While out in the field engaged in research, however, he camped on an island in the Okovango delta for up to a week at a time.
While in the "pristine environment of the bush," he had ample hands-on experience investigating the diets of the indigenous hippopotamus population.
Hippos are a "keystone species, important to the ecosystem and a rallying point for conservation efforts," Dexter said.
He "did a lot of field work doing things like collecting hippo dung," said Hank Shubart, environmental sciences professor, "researching things like how much they eat, and how well they digest."
Apparently, collecting hippo dung is no easy task.
"Hippos are pretty dangerous," Shubart said. "They kill more people in Africa than anything else does."
Back in Maun, Dexter recorded and analyzed the data he obtained from his field work and organized the logistics for future trips.
After returning home to Richmond, Dexter spent the rest of his summer researching at the University's Mountain Lake Biological Station .
Through his research experiences, Dexter has decided he wants to work in the field of conservation. Dexter plans to travel to Peru after he graduates to work with a conservation group before returning to school to earn a Ph.D.
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