MOBILE HEALTH/CONSERVATION CENTERS
In February, in close collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, we were awarded a grant from the Grand Challenge Canada for $113,000, to bring a system of mobile health clinics to communities neighboring Kibale National Park, Uganda. The idea is to have an ambulance visit villages neighboring the national park on a set schedule each month (i.e., be at village G on every second Tuesday of the month). We will deliver basic health services, family planning, and conservation talks to communities who experience negative experiences because of their proximity to the park, such as elephants destroying their crops. The idea is that by having this positive service associated with the park that the local community will stop doing any negative actions to the park, such as setting snares. This is an assumption we will rigorously test, and have funding for a Ugandan student to do his degree on this topic.
This is only Phase I, in Phase II if we can supply “proof of concept” and raise significant amounts of matching funds, we can be awarded 1 million dollars. As a result, there is lots of opportunity for the involvement of students or others, as we have a big challenge ahead of us. But challenges are fun and this one could make such a difference for the people of Uganda and for the countries wildlife. If you are interested in helping out, just email Colin
KILLAIM RESEARCH AWARD
In September 2013, Colin Chapman was awarded a Killam Research Fellowship. This provides him a teaching release and in combination with his sabbatical he now has lots of time (and energy) for interesting conservation projects or scientific exploration. So will be an exciting time in the Chapman lab in the up-coming year. During this time he will teaching and researching in Uganda as usual, but will also run field courses in Mexico and Madagascar.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
September 29th @ 9:45 at Thomson House - The Chapman Lab is working together with National Geographic and the McGill Biology and Anthropology Graduate Students to host a workshop on the National Geographic Young Explorers Grants. More information is available here.
July 18th, 2012 - Ria Ghai explains the Kibale Health and Conservation Clinic to the Seeds of Change; watch the interview here! Donate here!
June 29th, 2012 - Michael Wasserman's work on phytoestrogens in primate diets has made it onto NPR!
March 29th, 2012 - Michael Wasserman has published an excellent article on phytoestrogen consumption by red colobus monkeys and mountain gorillas: take look!
February 23rd, 2012 - Congratulations to Colin Chapman! He has received the prestigious Killam Research Fellowship and will be relieved of teaching and administrative duties for two years! Read more in the Montreal Gazette and from the Canada Council for the Arts
February 8th, 2012 - Lab intern Laura Johnson is accepted to a Masters program at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax! We are sad to see her go but wish her the best of luck with her future work on bats. Congratulations Laura!
