Dr Eduardo Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
School of Animal and Veterinary Science
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
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Eduardo J. Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare and Director of the Animal Behaviour Program in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). He received his Ph.D. in Psychology (minors in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior) from Indiana University, where he worked with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoo. He received his M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA). Most of his past and current work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. He is a past Postdoctoral Fellow with the National Science Foundation and Research Fellow with University of Washington, where he ran the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout Woodland Park Zoo. He currently runs the Exotic Enrichment and Learning (EEL) lab, which is dedicated to welfare research to improve the lives of zoo animals. Many of Eduardo's past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile:
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2024 - ongoing Program Director, Animal Behaviour The University of Adelaide -
Language Competencies
Language Competency Spanish - Latin American Can read, write, speak and understand spoken -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title Indiana University - Bloomington United States PhD University of North Texas United States Masters -
Postgraduate Training
Date Title Institution Country Postdoctoral Researcher - National Science Foundation University of Washington United States Postdoctoral Researcher - Woodland Park Zoo University of Washington and Woodland Park Zoo United States -
Research Interests
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Journals
Year Citation 2025 Turner, J. T., Whittaker, A. L., McLelland, D. J., Hanson, S. L., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). Preference test design in applied animal settings: A scoping review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 282, 13 pages.
Scopus22025 Fountain, J., Fernandez, E. J., McWhorter, T. J., & Hazel, S. J. (2025). The value of sniffing: A scoping review of scent activities for canines. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 282, 12 pages.
2025 Li, C., Alostad, Z., Crittle, C., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). An Examination of Visitor and Tiger Activity Between Two Zoo Tiger Groups. Veterinary Medicine and Science, 11(2), 7 pages.
2025 Brisset, A., Taylor, T. L., Blanchard, T., Fernandez, E. J., & Hazel, S. J. (2025). Attitudes of Australian Veterinary Professionals to Diagnosing and Managing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Veterinary Sciences, 12(3), 20 pages.
2025 Brereton, J. E., Coe, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). Improving Zoo Exhibit Design: Why We Need Temporary Exhibit Design. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 6(1), 19.
2025 Chan, T. Y., Khong, H. Y. C., McWhorter, T. J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). Feline flourish: A scoping review of enrichment effects on zoo-housed felids. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 286, 13 pages.
2025 Brereton, J. E., Coe, J. C., & Fernandez, E. J. (2025). Future Aviary Design: The Science of Circular Flight Aviaries for Avian Welfare. Zoo Biology.
2025 Chin, J. T. Y., Poh, S. X. L., Fernandez, E. J., & Hazel, S. J. (2025). Turn the Volume Down: Noise Hypersensitivity in Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
2024 Fernandez, E. J. (2024). The least inhibitive, functionally effective model: A new framework for ethical animal training practices. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 71, 63-68.
Scopus52024 Bye, S. E. G., Hazel, S., Fountain, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2024). Examining Shaping of Two Odor Detection Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 72, 28-32.
2024 Rust, K., Clegg, I., & Fernandez, E. J. (2024). The voice of choice: A scoping review of choice-based animal welfare studies. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 275, 106270-1-106270-10.
Scopus112024 Firman, C. B., Forder, R. E. A., Inhuber, V., Cadogan, D. J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2024). Short Communication: The effect of in ovo creatine monohydrate on early pen use activity in chicks. Animal, 18(6), 101201-1-101201-5.
2024 Fernandez, E. J., & Sherwen, S. L. (2024). An introduction to human-animal interactions in zoos and aquariums. Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos: Integrating Science and Practice, 1-5.
Scopus12023 Fernandez, E. J., Brereton, J. E., & Coe, J. (2023). How do we plan for the zoo exhibit of the future?. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 268, 106085-1-106085-6.
Scopus62023 Taylor, T. L., Fernandez, E. J., Handley, K. N., & Hazel, S. J. (2023). Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction: A scoping review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 269, 106097-1-106097-13.
Scopus22023 Handley, K., Hazel, S., Fountain, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). Comparing trial-and-error to errorless learning procedures in training pet dogs a visual discrimination. Learning and Motivation, 84, 101944-1-101944-12.
Scopus12023 Fernandez, E. J., & Martin, A. L. (2023). Applied behavior analysis and the zoo: Forthman and Ogden (1992) thirty years later. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(1), 29-54.
Scopus10 WoS3 Europe PMC22023 Henning, J., Nielsen, T., Fernandez, E., & Hazel, S. (2023). Cats just want to have fun: Associations between play and welfare in domestic cats. Animal Welfare, 32, e9-1-e9-11.
Scopus11 WoS1 Europe PMC42023 Tay, C., McWhorter, T. J., Xie, S., Mohd Nasir, T. S. B., Reh, B., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). A comparison of staff presence and signage on zoo visitor behavior. Zoo Biology, 42(3), 339-462.
Scopus7 WoS2 Europe PMC12023 Fernandez, E. J., Anderson, W., & Kowalski, A. (2023). Evaluation of an automated response-independent schedule on the behavioral welfare of shelter dogs. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 120(1), 50-61.
Scopus2 WoS1 Europe PMC12023 Novack, L. I., Schnell-Peskin, L., Feuerbacher, E., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). The Science and Social Validity of Companion Animal Welfare: Functionally Defined Parameters in a Multidisciplinary Field. Animals, 13(11), 1850-1-1850-31.
Scopus6 Europe PMC42023 Henning, J. S. L., Goncalves Costa, A., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). Shifting attitudes on animal ‘ownership’: Ethical implications for welfare research and practice terminology. Research Ethics, 19(4), 409-418.
Scopus22023 Fernandez, E. J., & McWhorter, T. J. (2023). Who reviews what you do at the zoo? Considerations for research ethics with captive exotic animals. Research Ethics, 19(4), 419-432.
Scopus22023 Clay, J. M., Fontana, B. D., Proserpio, C., Fernandez, E. J., Pagliarini, E., Lopes, F., . . . Parker, M. O. (2023). Drinking during social isolation: investigating associations between stress, inhibitory control, boredom, drinking motives, and alcohol use. Addiction Research & Theory, 31(1), 16-28.
Scopus3 WoS12022 Lattal, K. A., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Grounding applied animal behavior practices in the experimental analysis of behavior.. J Exp Anal Behav, 118(2), 186-207.
Scopus10 WoS6 Europe PMC32022 Brereton, J. E., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Investigating Unused Tools for the Animal Behavioral Diversity Toolkit. Animals, 12(21), 1-14.
Scopus9 WoS1 Europe PMC42022 Northey, E. J., Craft, B. B., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Effects of New Seal Introductions on Conspecific and Visitor Activity. Animals, 12(21), 20 pages.
Scopus2 WoS1 Europe PMC22022 Fernandez, E., & Martin, A. (2022). <strong></strong>Applied Behavior Analysis and the Zoo: Forthman and Ogden (1992) Thirty Years Later.
2022 Ingvarsson, E. T., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Bridging the gap between laboratory and applied research on response-independent schedules. J Appl Behav Anal, 56(1), 55-77.
Scopus4 WoS1 Europe PMC12022 Ali, A., Mehmood, S., Ullah, I., Fernandez, E. J., Khan, M. N., Ullah, M., . . . Spooner, S. L. (2022). Pakistan Zoo Visitors’ Perceptions toward Zoos and Large Native Carnivores. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 3(4), 665-676.
Scopus52022 Brereton, J., & Fernandez, E. (2022). Which index should I use? A comparison of indices for enclosure use studies. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 9(1), 119-132.
2022 Brereton, J. E., Tuke, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). A simulated comparison of behavioural observation sampling methods.. Scientific reports, 12(1), 10 pages.
Scopus19 WoS10 Europe PMC122022 Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Training as enrichment:A critical review. Animal Welfare, 31(1), 1-12.
Scopus35 WoS102022 Henning, J., Nielsen, T., Fernandez, E., & Hazel, S. (2022). Factors associated with play behavior in human-cat dyads. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 52-53, 21-30.
Scopus6 WoS12022 Henning, J., Fernandez, E., Nielsen, T., & Hazel, S. (2022). Play and Welfare in Domestic Cats: Current Knowledge and Future Directions. Animal Welfare, 31(4), 407-421.
Scopus6 WoS12021 Fernandez, E. J. (2021). Appetitive search behaviors and stereotypies in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Behavioural Processes, 182, 16 pages.
Scopus16 WoS11 Europe PMC72021 Fernandez, E. J., Upchurch, B., & Hawkes, N. C. (2021). Public feeding interactions as enrichment for three zoo-housed elephants. Animals, 11(6), 15 pages.
Scopus21 WoS9 Europe PMC72021 Fernandez, E. J., Myers, M., & Hawkes, N. C. (2021). The Effects of Live Feeding on Swimming Activity and Exhibit Use in Zoo Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 2(1), 88-100.
Scopus13 WoS132021 Fernandez, E. J., & Martin, A. L. (2021). Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, and Animal Welfare: A History of Behavior Analysis in Zoos. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 2(4), 531-543.
Scopus44 WoS212021 Learmonth, M. J., Chiew, S. J., Godinez, A., & Fernandez, E. J. (2021). Animal-Visitor Interactions and the Visitor Experience: Visitor Behaviors, Attitudes, Perceptions, and Learning in the Modern Zoo. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 8(4), 632-649.
2021 Fernandez, E. J., & Chiew, S. J. (2021). Animal-Visitor Interactions: Effects, Experiences, and Welfare. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 8(4), 462-467.
2021 Fernandez, E. J., & Harvey, E. (2021). Enclosure Use as a Measure of Behavioural Welfare in Three Zoo-Housed African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus). Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 9(2), 88-93.
WoS132020 Fernandez, E. J., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2020). A Comparison of Fixed-Time Food Schedules and Shaping Involving a Clicker for Halter Behavior in a Petting Zoo Goat. Psychological Record, 71(3), 487-491.
Scopus9 WoS82020 Fernandez, E. J., & Dorey, N. R. (2020). An Examination of Shaping with an African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 24(4), 372-378.
Scopus10 WoS7 Europe PMC32020 Fernandez, E. J., Yoakum, E., & Andrews, N. (2020). Seasonal and Daily Activity of Two Zoo-Housed Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 1(1), 1-12.
Scopus13 WoS102020 Fernandez, E. J., Ramirez, M., & Hawkes, N. C. (2020). Activity and pool use in relation to temperature and water changes in zoo hippopotamuses (Hippopotamus amphibious). Animals, 10(6), 1-11.
Scopus7 WoS6 Europe PMC62020 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2020). Superstition revisited: Sex, species, and adventitious reinforcement. Behavioural Processes, 170, 14 pages.
Scopus14 WoS8 Europe PMC42020 Sanders, K., & Fernandez, E. J. (2020). Behavioral Implications of Enrichment for Golden Lion Tamarins: A Tool for Ex Situ Conservation. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 25(3), 11 pages.
Scopus10 WoS2 Europe PMC42020 Fernandez, E. J. (2020). Training petting zoo sheep to act like petting zoo sheep: An empirical evaluation of response-independent schedules and shaping with negative reinforcement. Animals, 10(7), 1-13.
Scopus16 WoS11 Europe PMC72019 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2019). Selecting and Testing Environmental Enrichment in Lemurs. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 12 pages.
Scopus25 WoS17 Europe PMC112019 Godinez, A. M., & Fernandez, E. J. (2019). What is the zoo experience? How zoos impact a visitor's behaviors, perceptions, and conservation efforts. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(JULY), 8 pages.
Scopus123 WoS62 Europe PMC332019 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2019). Foraging devices as enrichment in captive walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). Behavioural Processes, 168, 11 pages.
Scopus16 WoS10 Europe PMC92019 Fernandez, E. J., Kinley, R. C., & Timberlake, W. (2019). Training penguins to interact with enrichment devices for lasting effects. Zoo Biology, 38(6), 481-489.
Scopus23 WoS15 Europe PMC82017 Fernandez, E. J. (2017). The empirical zoo in the 21st century
THE PROFESSOR IN THE ZOO
Maple, T. L
Red Leaf Press,
Tequesta, FL,
2016. pp. 360.. Zoo Biology, 36(2), 170-171.
2013 Godinez, A. M., Fernandez, E. J., & Morrissey, K. (2013). Visitor behaviors and perceptions of jaguar activities. Anthrozoos, 26(4), 613-619.
Scopus40 WoS202009 Fernandez, E. J., Tamborski, M. A., Pickens, S. R., & Timberlake, W. (2009). Animal-visitor interactions in the modern zoo: Conflicts and interventions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 120(1-2), 1-8.
Scopus216 WoS1692008 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2008). Mutual benefits of research collaborations between zoos and academic institutions. Zoo Biology, 27(6), 470-487.
Scopus66 WoS52 Europe PMC282008 Yin, S., Fernandez, E. J., Pagan, S., Richardson, S. L., & Snyder, G. (2008). Efficacy of a remote-controlled, positive-reinforcement, dog-training system for modifying problem behaviors exhibited when people arrive at the door. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 113(1-3), 123-138.
Scopus29 WoS192004 Fernandez, E. J., Dorey, N. R., & Rosales-Ruiz, J. (2004). A two-choice preference assessment with five cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus). Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 7(3), 163-169.
Scopus39 Europe PMC22- Cremers, P., Norman, M., Brando, S., & Fernandez, E. J. (n.d.). A Comparison of Food and Non-Food Enrichment with Zoo-Housed African Lions (Panthera leo). Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, 6(2), 25.
- Gonzalo, F. D. A., Contreras, G. S., Fernandez, E. J. L., & Lezcano, R. A. G. (n.d.). INDOOR AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN DWELLINGS: CASE STUDIES IN MADRID, SPAIN. JOURNAL OF GREEN BUILDING, 19(3), 117-138. -
Books
Year Citation 2024 Fernandez, E. J., & Sherwen, S. L. (2024). Human-animal interactions in zoos: Integrating science and practice. E. J. Fernandez, & S. L. Sherwen (Eds.), CABI.
DOI Scopus12024 Fernandez, E. J., & Sherwen, S. L. (2024). Human-animal interactions in zoos: Integrating science and practice. E. J. Fernandez, & S. L. Sherwen (Eds.), CABI.
DOI Scopus1 -
Book Chapters
Year Citation 2024 Sherwen, S. L., & Fernandez, E. J. (2024). Human-animal interactions in zoos and aquariums: Emerging themes and next steps. In Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos: Integrating Science and Practice (pp. 205-209). CABI.
DOI -
Conference Papers
Year Citation 2021 Fernandez, E. (2021). Using Behavior Analysis to Analyze Behavior: A Data-Taking Perspective. In Seminar hosted by the International Society for Canine Psychology. Bath, Somerset (UK). 2021 Fernandez, E. (2021). Data Driven Decision-Making to Drive Innovation. In Paper presented at the Association for Zoos and Aquariums Conference. Silver Springs, MD (USA). 2021 French, F., Williams, L., Charles Coe, J., Single, L., Fernandez, E., & Flynn Martin, C. (2021). ReptileJam 2021: Designing Enrichment for Reptiles in Captivity: This is a proposal for a ZooJam workshop around the theme of designing tech-enabled enrichment opportunities for zoo-housed and domestic reptiles. In ACM International Conference Proceeding Series (pp. 7 pages). Bloomington, IN: ACM.
DOI Scopus12020 Fernandez, E. (2020). The ABC’s of Animal Training and Behavior. In Seminar hosted by Practical Animal Welfare Science. Teulada, Alicante (Spain). 2019 Fernandez, E., & Brando, S. (2019). Being Evidence-Based with your Animals: Using Data to Optimize Animal Training & Welfare. In Workshop hosted by Animal Concepts. Veenendaal, NL (The Netherlands). 2019 Fernandez, E. (2019). Using Data to Advance Your Training and Welfare Success. In Workshop hosted by Pfötchenhof Pfalz. Frankfurt, DE (Germany). -
Conference Items
Year Citation 2023 Fernandez, E. (2023). Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE): A Modern Approach to Thinking About Ethics and Animal Training.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented to the Shelter Playgroup Alliance (SPA; online). Oakland, CA (USA). 2023 Fernandez, E. (2023). Using Behaviour Analysis to Analyze Behaviour: A Data-Taking Perspective.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the University of Melbourne’s Welfare Seminar Series. Melbourne, Victoria (Australia). 2023 Fernandez, E. (2023). Training as Enrichment: From History to Theory and Practice.. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the EAZA Animal Welfare Webinar Series (online). Amsterdam, NL (Netherlands). 2023 Collins, C., Burke, A., Fernandez, E., McSweeney, L., & Moss, A. (2023). Zoo visitor interest, experience and education with the forgotten taxa: What do our visitors know about unpopular species?. Poster session presented at the meeting of Panel presented at the EAZA Education Conference. Wroclaw, PL (Poland). 2023 Fernandez, E. (2023). Lessons from Training Animals on How to Teach People. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the B. F. Skinner Foundation workshop. Cambridge, MA (USA). 2022 Fernandez, E. (2022). Animal Behaviour: Training and Managing Species for Conservation. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the Arthur Rylah Institute Seminars. Heidelberg, Victoria (Australia). 2022 Hazel, S., McGreevy, P., Fernandez, E., & Bishop, N. (2022). Towards Better Welfare in Animal Training: Considering Contexts, Communication and Meeting Needs. Poster session presented at the meeting of Panel presented at the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia Conference. Sydney, NSW (Australia). 2022 Fernandez, E. (2022). Training, Enrichment, and Training as Enrichment: A Historical, Pragmatic Approach to Applied Behavior Analysis with Animals. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia Conference. Sydney, NSW (Australia). 2020 Fernandez, E. (2020). The Ethics of Animal Training Procedures. Poster session presented at the meeting of Paper presented at the Pet Professional Guild’s Geek Week. Hernando, FL (USA). -
Preprint
2023 Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Project, Waltham Petcare Science Institute
2024 – 2025 Coordinator, AN BEHAV 3000RW - The Science of Enrichment and Animal Learning (SEAL)
2024 – 2025 Coordinator, ANIML SCI 3530RW - Integrative Domestic and Exotic Animal Studies (IDEAS)
2023 Coordinator, AN BEHAV 3000RW – Applied Behaviour Analysis with Animals
2022 – 2023 Coordinator, ANIML SCI 3530RW – Companion Animal and Equine Studies III
2022 Instructor, PSY 1180 – Introduction to Psychology (SPU)
2022 Instructor, PSY 2360 – Statistics in the Behavioral Sciences (SPU)
2022 Instructor, PSY 3438 – Social Psychology (SPU)
2021 – 2022 Instructor, PSY 3588 – Psychological Research Methods (SPU)
2021 Instructor, PSY 3800 – Cognitive Psychology (SPU)
2019 – 2020 Instructor, BEH 5023 – Intro. to Experimental Analysis of Behavior (FIT)
2019 – 2020 Instructor, BEH 5030 – Capstone III, Applied Behavior Analysis (FIT)
2018 – 2020 Instructor, BEH 5029 – Capstone II, Applied Behavior Analysis (FIT)
2018 – 2019 Instructor, BEH 5028 – Capstone I, Applied Behavior Analysis (FIT)
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2025 Principal Supervisor Captive Snake Welfare - Assessing and Improving Zoo Snake Exhibits Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Sara Louise Hanson 2025 Principal Supervisor Animal Interaction Programs and their welfare impact on zoo-housed animals Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Bridget Kristin Cooper-Rogers 2025 Principal Supervisor Understanding the social dynamics of flocking bird species and their implications of welfare Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Paige Anna Klingner 2024 Principal Supervisor Studying Visitor-Stress Interaction and Public Perception at Gladys Porter Zoo for Exotic Animal Welfare Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Claudia Martinez 2024 Principal Supervisor Optimizing Captive Animal Welfare: Integrating Training Methods with Acoustic Enrichment for Enhanced Environmental Stimulation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Lesia Marie Hryhorenko 2024 Co-Supervisor Stimulating natural foraging through food-based enrichment in captive animals Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Aamer Sohel Khan 2023 Co-Supervisor Anthropogenic Effects on Zoo Animal Welfare Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Claudia Pei Pei Tay 2022 Co-Supervisor Investigating Correlations Between Behaviour, Affect, and Welfare in Reptiles Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Jessica Thea Turner
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Community Engagement
Date Title Engagement Type Institution Country 2024 - ongoing Academic Mentor - Exotic Enrichment and Learning (EEL) Lab Scientific Community Engagement School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide Australia -
Consulting/Advisories
Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country 2016 - ongoing Smart Animal Training Systems/Pet Tutor Pet Tutor Scientific research United States -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2023 - ongoing Associate Editor Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science Animals & Society Institute United States 2021 - ongoing Editor Animal Behavior and Cognition Oakland University United States 2020 - ongoing Editor Behavioural Processes Universities and Research Institutions Netherlands
Connect With Me
External Profiles
