Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Fieldwork Experience
Posters in Preparation
Accomplishments
References
Research Skills Methods
Relevant Coursework
Timeline
Generic

Renata Castillo

Edinburg, Tx

Summary

Undergraduate psychology student with hands-on research experience in comparative and experimental approaches to animal behavior and welfare. Research interests focus on how environmental and physiological variables influence behavior, with an emphasis on integrating behavioral and physiological data to inform evidence-based welfare practices in zoological settings. Long-term goals include pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology.

Work History

Lead Field Researcher

Comparative Psychology Lab
08.2025 - Current
  • Conduct systematic behavioral observations using focal and scan sampling methodologies
  • Develop, refine, and implement species-specific ethograms
  • Assist with physiological hormone sample collection and preparation
  • Establish and maintain interobserver reliability
  • Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants
  • Develop Personality Assessments

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
05.2026

Skills

  • Lab supervision
  • Research training
  • Data coordination
  • Interobserver reliability

Fieldwork Experience

Zoo-Based Behavioral Research: Gladys Porter Zoo (Aug 2025- Present) 

  • 200 Hours
  • Species: Western Lowland Gorilla, African Lion, Ocelot, Lemur (Ringtail, Brown Collared, Red Ruffed, & Black and White Ruffed)
  • Conduct applied behavioral research focused on animal welfare and enrichment,
  • Evaluate effects of diet, enrichment, and enclosure design
  • Research focus: welfare, enrichment, diet, reproductive sciences, exhibit design

Posters in Preparation

  • Castillo, R., & Martinez, C. C. (2026). Advancing Gorilla Welfare Through Behavioral and Physiological Research at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Poster in preparation for submission to the Engaged Scholar & Artist Awards (ESAA).
  • Castillo, R., & Martinez, C. C. (2026). Evaluating the relationship between diet, feeding practices, and behavioral welfare in captive western lowland gorillas: a scoping review. Poster in preparation for submission to the Animal Behavior Society Annual Conference.

Accomplishments

Engaged Scholar & Artist Award: Advancing Gorilla Welfare Through Behavioral and Physiological Research at the Gladys Porter Zoo

References

Claudia Martinez, Lecturer II, Department of Psychological Science, UTRGV, claudia.martinez01@utrgv.edu

Research Skills Methods

Behavioral Methods

  • Ethogram development
  • Focal/scan sampling
  • Interobserver reliability
  • Personality Assessment Creation

Data & Analysis

  • Data coding and cleaning
  • Descriptive statistics
  • JASP

Physiological Methods 

  • Sample collection
  • Hormone data handling

Relevant Coursework

  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Test and Measurements
  • Animal Behavior
  • Primate Behavior
  • Statistics
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Theories of Learning
  • Vertebrae Osteology
  • Applied Psychology in Animal Welfare
  • Independent Research

Timeline

Lead Field Researcher

Comparative Psychology Lab
08.2025 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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Renata Castillo