Principal Investigators
Lab Director
Mrs. Martinez is the director of the Comparative Psychology Lab and a dedicated researcher specializing in primate behavior, particularly that of western lowland gorillas in zoo settings. With a strong background in psychology, she focuses on animal behavior and behavior analysis.
She actively leads research projects that explore how animals behave in captive environments, aiming to promote a better understanding of their needs and well-being. Through her work, she also seeks to raise awareness about wildlife conservation in the Rio Grande Valley.
In addition to her research, Mrs. Martinez is also a lecturer in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a PhD candidate in Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide.
Curator of Behavior Research
Dr. James-Aldridge, curator of behavior research at the Gladys Porter Zoo, is a retired professor and the founder of the partnership between the zoo and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. With over 40 years of experience studying western lowland gorillas, she brings a deep understanding of their behavior and social dynamics.
Beyond her research, Dr. Aldridge is actively involved in training new volunteers, teaching them how to identify individual gorillas and interpret their behavior. Her mentorship continues to shape the next generation of researchers and strengthens the bridge between academic study and applied conservation work.
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
Graduate Student
Experimental Psychology
Favorite Animal: Jellyfish
Juliana Tovar
Carolina Morales
Kimberly Vazquez
Lead Research Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Favorite Animal: Lemur
Kimberly Vazquez
Kimberly Vazquez
Kimberly Vazquez
Field Research Assistant
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Favorite Animal: Cat
Samantha Solis
Kimberly Vazquez
Bianca Calvillo
Field Research Assistant/ESAA Scholar
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Favorite Animal: Giraffe
Bianca Calvillo
Kimberly Vazquez
Bianca Calvillo
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Marine Biology
Favorite Animal: Sea Turtle
Amarissa Garcia
Amarissa Garcia
Amarissa Garcia
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Favorite Animal:
Sara Zúñiga
Amarissa Garcia
Amarissa Garcia
Field Research Assistant/ESAA Scholar
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Business Administration
Favorite Animal: Hummingbird
Ayleen Alejo
Amarissa Garcia
Daniela Guerra
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Communications/Kinesiology
Favorite Animal: Spider Monkey
Daniela Guerra
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Daniela Guerra
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Music
Favorite Animal: Flamingo & Spider Monkey
Renata Castillo
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Field Research Assistant
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Favorite Animal: Bear
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Field Research Assistant/SEI Intern
Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
Minor: Kinesiology
Favorite Animal: Cow
Zwetxy Edmonson
Field Research Assistant/SEI Intern
Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
Minor: Addiction Studies
Favorite Animal: Bat
Coming Soon...
Coming Soon...
Coming Soon...
Lab Achievements: Student Awards & Internships
Ramiro Gomez
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Carolina Morales
Student Experience Internship (SEI)
2023-2024 Awardee
Carolina Morales
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Carolina Morales
Student Experience Internship (SEI)
2024-2025 Awardee
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Student Experience Internship (SEI)
2025-2026 Awardee
Samantha Solis
Samantha Solis
Humberto Jimenez Bazan
Engaged Scholar & Artist Awards (ESAA) 2025-2026 Awardee
Sara Zúñiga
Samantha Solis
Sara Zúñiga
Engaged Scholar & Artist Awards (ESAA) 2025-2026 Awardee
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.
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
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Sergio Garcia, MBA
Zoo Veterinarian
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
Psychological Science
Behavioral Neuroscience Lab Director
UTRGV
Dr. Perry Fuchs
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Perry Fuchs
Psychological Science
Department Chair
UTRGV
Dr. Rachel Walker
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Department of Psychology
University of the Incarnate Word
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
Dr. Eduardo Fernandez
School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences
The University of Adelaide