Allison B. Kaufman

My main research interest is in comparative cognition and what might be conducive to the evolution and development of cognitive abilities in both humans and non-humans.  Most people have heard of Kanzi the bonobo and Alex the parrot.  But, every bonobo and every parrot has the same neurological equipment as Kanzi and Alex do.  I am interested in what might have caused these individuals to show such exceptionality.  My training is in biology, ecology, and neuroscience – however, I work with many psychologists (including my husband and in-laws), so I am especially fond of cross disciplinary methodologies.

My husband, James C. Kaufman, studies creativity in people, and as a result I have a secondary interest in innovation in animals.   We have collaborated on several papers and an edited book applying the current models of human creativity to animal innovation.  Many of these models from the human literature provide fascinating ways to look at why and how animals might innovate.

I have always very involved in the zoo and aquarium community, and both a researcher and a keeper or trainer.  I am currently a research fellow at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Virginia. I have just begun working with a variety of facilities to help them publish some of the amazing projects their keepers and trainers are doing, and I think bringing this work to the attention of the academic world may be exciting thing I’ve worked on yet!  If you are affiliated with a zoo, aquarium, or museum and would like to branch out and publish in the academic world, please contact me!

 Lastly, thanks to years of teaching a Critical Thinking class, I am involved in the fight against pseudoscience.  Scientists need to work harder to help others understand the importance and safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), agricultural biotechnology, vaccines, modern medicine, and nuclear technology.