Research Interests
Open to PhD applications in:
- The human animal bond
- Animal welfare
- Laterality in animals
- Pets and human health
Public outreach & key achievements
2018-2021 Pool of Experts member, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
2011- Editorial Advisory Board, Anthrozoos
2011- Editorial Advisory Board, Applied Animal Behaviour Science
2010-2011 Spokesperson for Petplan
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17510-is-your-cat-left-or-right-pawed/
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jan/22/paw-choice-cats-show-right-and-left-hand-preferences
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/nov/17/elephants-zoos-classical-music-elgar
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn2962-dogs-prefer-bach-to-britney/
Research students
| PhD area | Connecting people with wild animals; from hands off to hands on approaches |
| Name | Alaina Macri |
| Years of study | 2019-2022 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| PhD area | Classical music and canine welfare |
| Name | Rachael Kinnaird |
| Years of study | 2018-2022 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| PhD area | Lateralised behaviour in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) |
| Name | Louise McDowell |
| Years of study | 2013-2017 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| PhD area | The effect of visitors on the behaviour of zoo-housed chimpanzee and gorilla groups |
| Name | Tara Cooper |
| Years of study | 2007-2011 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| PhD area | Sensory enrichment for cats (Felis silvestris catus) housed in an animal rescue shelter |
| Name | Sarah Ellis |
| Years of study | 2003-2007 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| PhD area | The effects of environmental enrichment on the behaviour and welfare of kennelled dogs |
| Name | Lynne Graham |
| Years of study | 1999-2003 |
| Country | Northern Ireland |