Elizabeth Freeman, PhD

Elizabeth Freeman, PhD

Associate Professor, School of Integrative Studies

Faculty Directory

Research Focus

As a conservation biologist, I am most interested in applied research that focuses upon how to save endangered species from extinction. The main focus of my research is behavioral endocrinology, which broadly means I investigate how the [internal and extrernal] environment affect the hormones and behavior of species. My projects have a wide-ranging scope from animal behavior, to chemical ecology, evolutionary biology and reproductive, stress physiology. My expertise and the majority of my work has been on mammals, but I welcome collaborations on any taxonomic group. I have experience working with the captive community as well as conducting field work in Africa and have advised graduate students on field projects in Asia and South America. I collaborate with scientific partners from other departments and universities, as well as zoos and governmental agencies. My overall goal is to conduct ethically sound research that can have a positive impact on the species of this planet.

Current Projects

■ Investigating the social and environmental factors that contribute to reproduction in elephants.

■ Understanding the contributions of biotic and abiotic factors to black rhino health and reproduction.

■ Evaluating red panda reproduction, health and well-being.

■ Using non-invasive methods to investigate canid biology.

Select Publications

■ Freeman, E. W., et al. (2013). Ovarian cycle activity varies with respect to age and social status in free-ranging elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. Conservation Physiology, 1(1), cot025.

■ Freeman, E. W., et al. (2014). Impacts of environmental pressures on the reproductive physiology of subpopulations of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis) in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. Conservation Physiology, 2(1), cot034.

■ Jones, M. K., et al. (2018). Physiological impacts of housing maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) with female relatives or unrelated males. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 267, 109-115.

 

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Contact

Phone: 703-993-9272

Email: efreeman@gmu.edu