Directory

Mary Dinsmore, PhD

About

Dinsmore is a conservation biologist who focuses on researching primates and other endangered species. She received her PhD in Environment and Resources from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2020 where she studied the Critically Endangered northern sportive lemur in Madagascar. She is passionate about teaching students from all backgrounds about the significance of biodiversity and the environment. In addition to engaging students in the classroom, Dinsmore strives to connect with students through experiential education opportunities. She has previously taught research and conservation study abroad opportunities in Central and South America and hopes to continue these experiences with the School of Environmental Sustainability at LUC.

Degrees

• PhD Environment and Resources, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2020
• MS Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2014
• BS Environmental Science, University of Portland, 2009
• BA Political Science, University of Portland, 2009

Program Areas

• Conservation Biology
• Biodiversity
• Endangered Species Conservation

Research Interests

Dinsmore centers her research primarily in the areas of primate ecology and conservation. She specifically focuses on how anthropogenic and natural disturbances impact lemur behavior and habitat in northern Madagascar. Not only does she focus on how humans impact endangered species, but she also strives to propose best conservation practices to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the future. By understanding how species utilize their habitat, socialize, and respond to rapid changes, conservationists can better implement targeted action plans to protect vulnerable populations. Dinsmore has also conducted work in Central and South America on primate behavior and ecology projects.

Professional & Community Affiliations

• American Society of Primatologists
• International Primatological Society
• Midwest Primate Interest Group

Courses Taught

• ENVS 137: Foundations of Environmental Science
• ENVS 218: Biodiversity and Biogeography

Selected Publications

• Dinsmore, M. P., Strier, K. B., & Louis, E. E. (2021). Anthropogenic disturbances and    deforestation of northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis) habitat at Montagne    des Français, Madagascar. Primate Conservation, 35.
• Louis, E. E., Bailey, C. A., Frasier, C. L., Sefczek, T. M., Raharivololona, B., Schwitzer, C.,             Ratsimbazafy, J., Wilmet, L., Andriajaona, A., Rasoamazava, L., Rakotomalala, V. F. & Dinsmore, M. (2020). Lepilemur septentrionalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened    Species 2020: e.T11622A115567059. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020- 2.RLTS.T11622A115567059.en.
• Dinsmore, M. P., Anise, I. A., Ellis, R. J., Hardie, A. J. Kraus, J.B., & Strier, K. B. (2019).          Appendix B: Primate Conservation in Explorations: An Open Invitation to Biological     Anthropology. Beth Shook, Katie Nelson, Kelsie Aguilera, and Lara Braff, Eds. Creative        Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.