Dr. Don Evans

Director of Simpson College Great Ape Studies Program

Professor of Psychology at Simpson College, Dr. Evans became interested in the cognitive and language abilities of great apes through the encouragement of his colleague, Dr. Carl Halgren who established the Simpson College Great Ape Studies Program.  In addition to language and cognitive research with humans utilizing EEG technology, Dr. Evans has begun studying the behavior and cognitive abilities of the orangutans and bonobos residing at the Trust.

In the fall of 2010, he became the director of the Simpson College Great Ape Studies Program and is actively engaged in mentoring the eight undergraduate Great Ape Trust Scholars of the program.  He is working to bring his expertise in technology, behavior, and psychophysiology to the research program at the Trust.

Teaching:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Psychometrics
• Behavioral Medicine
• History of Psychology

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Evans' primary training is in behavioral clinical psychology with a specialty in behavioral medicine.  In his first academic appointment at Duke University Medical Center, he conducted research and treated patients with personality and mood disorders.

Professional Organizations

• American Psychological Association
• Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society
• Epsilon Sigma Honor Society