Animal Welfare Scientist
RESEARCH
CANINE POSITIVE EMOTIONS
I am currently looking to develop better tools to assess positive emotions in canines. Our current understanding of emotions in animals is based on outdated and human-centric models, showcasing a real need to analyze animal emotions from an animal perspective. Using a constructed theory of emotion framework, I am working on new tools to assess how dogs may be feeling.
HUMAN PERCEPTION OF DOG EMOTIONS
The way in which we view animal emotions also has very anthropomorphic tendencies. I am conducting studies to better understand what factors affect this process and ultimately how we can use the findings to better the lives of animals in our care.
ZOO ANIMAL WELFARE
Animals in zoos live a uniquely different live than their wild counterparts, and it is important to understand their needs and welfare requirements in such habitats. My work focuses on learning practical techniques that can be applied in zoo settings, all with the focus on improve the animals' daily lives. I have used social network analysis to study baboons at the Oakland Zoo as well as looked at the potential of blood lactate to measure stress of capture in crocodilians.
