Lead Researchers
Director
Mrs. Martinez, the director of the Comparative Psychology Lab, is a devoted researcher with a focus on primate behavior, specifically western lowland gorillas in zoos. With a strong foundation in psychology, her specialization is in animal behavior and behavior analysis.
She enthusiastically leads research projects, uncovering the nuances of animal behavior in zoo environments. Her goal is to raise awareness about conservation in the valley through her insightful research initiatives. She is also a lecturer in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
Curator of Behavior Research
Dr. James Aldridge, the curator of behavior research at the Gladys Porter Zoo, is a retired professor and the visionary behind the partnership with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. With over 40 years of dedicated study, her expertise lies in the fascinating realm of western lowland gorillas.
In addition to her research, Dr. Aldridge plays a pivotal role in training new volunteers, and imparting valuable knowledge on gorilla identification and behavior. This ensures the next generation of researchers is well-equipped for the field.
Student Researchers
Ramiro Gomez
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Senior Lead Research Assistant
Graduate Student
Experimental Psychology
Favorite Animal: Western Lowland Gorilla
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Lead Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
SEI Intern
Major: Psychology
Minor: Addiction Studies
Favorite Animal: Jellyfish
Ricardo Martinez
Carolina Morales
Ricardo Martinez
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biochemistry
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Kimberly Vazquez
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Ricardo Martinez
Field Research Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Favorite Animal: Cat
Juliana Tovar
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Field Research Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Favorite Animal: Lemur
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Favorite Animal: Dog
Suzanna Rivera
Anarelly Camarillo
Anarelly Camarillo
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Favorite Animal: Elephant
Anarelly Camarillo
Anarelly Camarillo
Anarelly Camarillo
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Favorite Animal: Axolotl
Diana Pena
Anarelly Camarillo
Diana Pena
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Favorite Animal: Gorilla
Gladys Porter Zoo Partners
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Zoo Director
Patricia Scanlan, M.A.
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Curator of Animal Welfare
Sergio Garcia, MBA
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Sergio Garcia, MBA
Curator of Education
Dr. Carboni, DVM
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Sergio Garcia, MBA
Zoo Veterinarian
TC
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Associate Curator of Carnivores & Gorillas
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Curator of Aquatics
University Partners
Dr. Mario Gil
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Perry Fuchs
Behavioral Neuroscience Lab Director
UTRGV
Dr. Perry Fuchs
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Perry Fuchs
Psychological Science Department Chair
UTRGV
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
The University of Adelaide
Dr. Todd McWhorter
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
The University of Adelaide
Zoo Partnership
Our Goal
The enduring partnership between the Psychological Department and the Gladys Porter Zoo represents a longstanding commitment to collaborative research and education. Since its initiation in the 1980s under the guidance of Dr. James-Aldridge, our students have had the invaluable opportunity to collect data on gorillas and other animals at the Gladys Porter Zoo. This collaboration not only enhances student engagement in zoo research but also serves as a platform to educate the community on conservation and the vital role of zoos. We are enthusiastic about our continued collaboration and look forward to future endeavors in advancing knowledge and awareness.