Examples of realized scientific careers can provide ideas and inspiration for others aiming to pursue such careers. Here I recount in brief the story of my long career in primatology (1973 to the present), focusing on one enduring theme in my research: the nature and genesis of goal-directed action (evident in movement). The story begins in graduate school, passes through developing my own laboratory, on to pursuing a spectrum of studies with mentees and collaborators, developing a theoretical explanatory framework for goal-directed action that I think holds promise for the field as a whole, and ends with an exciting field project that seems a suitable finale to my career. I mention the value to me, the field, and society of participation in scientific societies, including the American Society of Primatologists, throughout my career.
Keywords: autobiography; capuchin monkeys; collaboration; primatology; scientific career.
© 2023 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.