Behaviorist, Chimp Haven, Inc.

I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up
there. My family still lives there. I then moved to Texas after Hillsdale and worked with small monkeys (rhesus macaques) and moved on to baboons and chimpanzees. I have worked with many types of monkeys and apes over the years and worked in zoos, research facilities, and sanctuaries. My passion, however, is chimpanzees. In 1995, I was one of the co-founders of Chimp Haven, Inc., a retirement sanctuary for chimpanzees being retired from biomedical research. I have worked as the behaviorist for Chimp Haven, Inc. since 2004 and realize that I have one of the best jobs in the
world.

To think broadly about things and not get stuck thinking only one way about a problem, an issue, or even people.

I use almost all of the classes I took in some way or another in my profession. All of your classes are important, not just the ones that you like!

Coming from a smaller high school and community, I had no interest in going to a bigger university. Hillsdale had the community and family atmosphere that I was looking for. Knowing the classes would be small, I figured the professors would be able to provide individual attention and get to know you - I was right about that and really enjoyed my time at the 'Dale.

Hillsdale prepared me in many ways for life after graduation. Through my broad experiences there and learning to be more independent, I was prepared to move away from home and continue to learn and have wonderful adventures. I think Hillsdale also prepared me very well academically. I have had publications in peer-reviewed journals and have given talks all over the world.

Although I believe the academics at Hillsdale were fantastic, the highlight of my Hillsdale experience was definitely the people that I
met and got to know. I still keep in contact with many of them. Hello to all my Black House buddies!

afultz@chimphaven.org