April 27, 2023

Meet Tyler! Tyler Andres-Bray is a fourth-year PhD student in biological sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and received his bachelor's degree with distinction from Duke University in biology with a focus in animal behavior. He earned a master's degree in animal behavior and conservation from the City University of New York.

Tyler recently presented his research on "Environmentally-Mediated Termite Behavior Shapes Seasonality of Chimpanzee Termite Fishing in Mbam & Djerem National Park, Cameroon," at the 2023 Drexel Emerging Scholars Conference. He was awarded the Provost’s Award for Best Virtual Oral Research Presentation! 

Tyler's research focuses on ways the environment shapes chimpanzee cultural behavior in Cameroon, Africa, and how cultural behavior has the potential to influence evolution. One major aspect of chimpanzee evolution is the use of tools. The form of tools used, and the way chimpanzees use them vary by population. The variation of tool use is influenced by genetic and environmental factors and can impact the species' health and survival. Without tools, chimpanzees cannot access important nutrient sources, which can have the potential to shape chimpanzee evolution.

Tyler is thankful for his mentors in his department, Dr. Katy Gonder and Dr. Kevin Smith. Dr. Katy Gonder's research on chimpanzee behavior and genetics inspired Tyler to pursue his PhD at Drexel. He is also a TA for Dr. Smith’s courses and said, "Dr. Smith is a fantastic instructor who works hard to create active learning environments for his students."

Tyler has presented his research at the International Primatological Society Conference and the Northeastern Evolutionary Primatology Conference. He also presented at several Drexel events including the College of Arts and Sciences Research Day and the Graduate College’s 2023 Drexel Emerging Scholars Conference this past April. You can watch his presentation via Drexel Streams (minute 36:00).

When asked about his experience presenting at the 2023 Drexel Emerging Scholars Conference, Tyler said "I loved watching other people’s presentations. There is so much amazing research going on in our community and I don’t often get a chance to experience it, so it was awesome to hear from other graduate students." He also noted that presenting at the conference was a great way for graduate students to practice presenting their research, and a "relatively low-stress way to get experience" presenting before attending a field-specific national conference. 

Finally, we asked Tyler if he had any advice for his fellow PhD students. He says it is important for students to find a community in their lab, department, or within the University because "doing a PhD is hard, and it’s not something that you can get through on your own." He acknowledges that it is important for students to set a healthy work-life balance early, especially during the intense workload in the first few years of research because "you cannot finish your degree if you burn out."

Outside of Drexel, Tyler collects comic books and has two dogs. He is also celebrating his fifth wedding anniversary this year!

Congratulations to Tyler and all the 2023 Drexel Emerging Scholars Awardees!