Specialization: Animal Behavior
Dr. Block’s comparative research program seeks to identify the roles of environmental, cognitive and other psychological variables that regulate species-typical and uncommon behaviors used by birds and mammals in adapting to their ecological conditions. The subjects of current studies are a variety species, e.g., Western Lowland Gorillas, African Wild Dogs, and New Zealand Kea parrots, that live at the local zoological park in Boston. The research specifically investigates the changes in behavior patterns and problem-solving strategies of individuals and groups following enrichment of their environment, or periodic introductions of novel cognitive tasks, that simulate aspects of their natural ecological niche. In addition, an ongoing long-term study involves finding ways of accurately describing the personality characteristics of Western Lowland gorillas and the developmental behavior patterns of young gorillas.
Specialization: Ethics, Learning and Motivation
Dr. Cohen’s scholarly work focuses on research and clinical ethics in science education. As director of NUCASE, he helps science students reflect upon research and engage in problem-solving related to ethical concerns they encounter in classroom, lab, clinic, and other contexts.
And also…
Martin L. Block
Specialization: Animal Behavior
Dr. Block’s comparative research program seeks to identify the roles of environmental, cognitive and other psychological variables that regulate species-typical and uncommon behaviors used by birds and mammals in adapting to their ecological conditions. The subjects of current studies are a variety species, e.g., Western Lowland Gorillas, African Wild Dogs, and New Zealand Kea parrots, that live at the local zoological park in Boston. The research specifically investigates the changes in behavior patterns and problem-solving strategies of individuals and groups following enrichment of their environment, or periodic introductions of novel cognitive tasks, that simulate aspects of their natural ecological niche. In addition, an ongoing long-term study involves finding ways of accurately describing the personality characteristics of Western Lowland gorillas and the developmental behavior patterns of young gorillas.
Perrin Cohen
Specialization: Ethics, Learning and Motivation
Dr. Cohen’s scholarly work focuses on research and clinical ethics in science education. As director of NUCASE, he helps science students reflect upon research and engage in problem-solving related to ethical concerns they encounter in classroom, lab, clinic, and other contexts.