Kay E. Holekamp

For decades she has studied the behavioral ecology of spotted hyenas in Africa. Her team follows individuals in matriarchal clans from birth to death, documenting their development, interactions, physiology and life histories. Her work shows spotted hyenas have evolved socio-cognitive abilities comparable to those of old-world primates. Her research supports the notion that complex social interactions favor the evolution of intelligence, but also that ecological variables shape intelligence as well. Her contributions have been recognized by a Packard Fellowship, election as both a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society and Distinguished Animal Behaviorist from the Animal Behavior Society, being named a University Distinguished Professor, receipt of the Smith College Medal, and receipt of the highest possible career awards from the American Society of Mammalogists (the C Hart Merriam Award for research and Honorary Membership for lifetime career accomplishment).