Eduardo Fernandez

Dr Eduardo Fernandez

Senior Lecturer

School of Animal and Veterinary Science

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Eduardo J. Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare 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. His past positions include a Visiting Professorship at Seattle Pacific University, a Visiting Professorship in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology, an Affiliate Assistant Professorship in the Psychology Department at the University of Washington, a Research Fellowship with Woodland Park Zoo, and a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship. While working with UW and the Woodland Park Zoo, he started the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout the zoo. He currently runs the Operant Welfare Lab (OWL), which is dedicated to the use of learning principles to improve the lives of animals across many settings, including exotic animals in zoos and companion animals in homes and shelters. OWL is also part of the broader Animal Behaviour, Welfare, and Anthrozoology Lab (ABWAL; abwal.com). Many of Eduardo’s past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eduardo_Fernandez18

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    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.
    DOI
    2024 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.
    DOI
    2023 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.
    DOI
    2023 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, 13 pages.
    DOI
    2023 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.
    DOI Scopus1
    2023 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.
    DOI Scopus5 WoS3 Europe PMC1
    2023 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, 11 pages.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS1
    2023 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), 407-415.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS2 Europe PMC1
    2023 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.
    DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1
    2023 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), 31 pages.
    DOI Scopus2
    2023 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.
    DOI
    2023 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.
    DOI Scopus1
    2023 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 and Theory, 31(1), 16-28.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1
    2023 Ingvarsson, E. T., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). Bridging the gap between laboratory and applied research on response-independent schedules. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 56(1), 55-77.
    DOI Scopus1 WoS1
    2022 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.
    DOI Scopus1
    2022 Ingvarsson, E., & Fernandez, E. (2022). Bridging the Gap Between Laboratory and Applied Research on Response-Independent Schedules.
    DOI
    2022 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.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS6 Europe PMC2
    2022 Brereton, J. E., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Investigating Unused Tools for the Animal Behavioral Diversity Toolkit. Animals, 12(21), 1-14.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS1 Europe PMC1
    2022 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.
    DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1
    2022 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.
    DOI
    2022 Brereton, J. E., Tuke, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2022). A simulated comparison of behavioural observation sampling methods.. Scientific reports, 12(1), 10 pages.
    DOI Scopus13 WoS10 Europe PMC8
    2022 Fernandez, E. J. (2022). Training as enrichment:A critical review. Animal Welfare, 31(1), 1-12.
    DOI Scopus24 WoS10
    2022 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.
    DOI Scopus3 WoS1
    2022 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.
    DOI Scopus2 WoS1
    2022 Fernandez, E., & Martin, A. (2022). <strong></strong>Applied Behavior Analysis and the Zoo: Forthman and Ogden (1992) Thirty Years Later.
    DOI
    2021 Fernandez, E. J. (2021). Appetitive search behaviors and stereotypies in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Behavioural Processes, 182, 16 pages.
    DOI Scopus14 WoS11 Europe PMC4
    2021 Fernandez, E. J., Upchurch, B., & Hawkes, N. C. (2021). Public feeding interactions as enrichment for three zoo-housed elephants. Animals, 11(6), 15 pages.
    DOI Scopus15 WoS9 Europe PMC6
    2021 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.
    DOI Scopus12 WoS13
    2021 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.
    DOI Scopus27 WoS21
    2021 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.
    DOI
    2021 Fernandez, E. J., & Chiew, S. J. (2021). Animal-Visitor Interactions: Effects, Experiences, and Welfare. Animal Behavior and Cognition, 8(4), 462-467.
    DOI
    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.
    DOI WoS13
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus9 WoS8
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS7 Europe PMC3
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus10 WoS10
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC5
    2020 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2020). Superstition revisited: Sex, species, and adventitious reinforcement. Behavioural Processes, 170, 14 pages.
    DOI Scopus10 WoS8 Europe PMC2
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus5 WoS2 Europe PMC2
    2020 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.
    DOI Scopus15 WoS11 Europe PMC6
    2019 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2019). Selecting and Testing Environmental Enrichment in Lemurs. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 12 pages.
    DOI Scopus20 WoS17 Europe PMC7
    2019 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.
    DOI Scopus93 WoS62 Europe PMC24
    2019 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2019). Foraging devices as enrichment in captive walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). Behavioural Processes, 168, 11 pages.
    DOI Scopus16 WoS10 Europe PMC5
    2019 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.
    DOI Scopus21 WoS15 Europe PMC7
    2017 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.
    DOI
    2013 Godinez, A. M., Fernandez, E. J., & Morrissey, K. (2013). Visitor behaviors and perceptions of jaguar activities. Anthrozoos, 26(4), 613-619.
    DOI Scopus30 WoS20
    2009 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.
    DOI Scopus186 WoS169
    2008 Fernandez, E. J., & Timberlake, W. (2008). Mutual benefits of research collaborations between zoos and academic institutions. Zoo Biology, 27(6), 470-487.
    DOI Scopus61 WoS52 Europe PMC20
    2008 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.
    DOI Scopus27 WoS19
    2004 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.
    DOI Scopus34 Europe PMC19

  • 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
    2020 Fernandez, E. (2020). The ABC’s of Animal Training and Behavior. In Seminar hosted by Practical Animal Welfare Science. Teulada, Alicante (Spain).
    2020 Fernandez, E. (2020). The Ethics of Animal Training Procedures. In Paper presented at the Pet Professional Guild’s Geek Week. Hernando, FL (USA).
    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).

  • Preprint
    Year Citation
    2023 Bye, S. E. G., Hazel, S., Fountain, J., & Fernandez, E. J. (2023). Examining Shaping of Two Odour Detection Dogs.
    DOI
    2021 Brereton, J. E., & Fernandez, E. J. (2021). Which Index Should I Use? A Comparison of Indices for Enclosure Use Studies.
    DOI

2023                Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Project, Waltham Petcare Science Institute

2023                Coordinator, AN BEHAV 3000RW – Applied Behaviour Analysis with Animals (U. Adelaide)

2022 – 2023    Coordinator, ANIML SCI 3530RW – Companion Animal and Equine Studies III (U. Adelaide)

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)

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Co-Supervisor Anthropogenic Effects on Zoo Animal Welfare Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Claudia Pei Pei Tay
    2022 Co-Supervisor Efficacy of training and enrichment to improve welfare: How can animal training be applied across settings to help animals live a good life? Examining the physiological and behavioural effects of scent work for domestic dogs Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Jade Fountain
    2022 Co-Supervisor Teaching old dogs new tricks to fight the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Tracey Louise Taylor
    2022 Co-Supervisor The Purr-suit of Happiness: Associations Between Play and Welfare in Domestic Cats Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Julia Sophie Lyn Henning
    2022 Co-Supervisor Investigating Correlations Between Behaviour, Affect, and Welfare in Reptiles Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Jessica Thea Turner

  • Community Engagement
    Date Title Engagement Type Institution Country
    2023 - ongoing Academic Mentor - Operant Welfare Lab (OWL) 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
  • Position: Senior Lecturer
  • Phone: 83130645
  • Email: eduardo.fernandez@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: Roseworthy
  • Building: J.S. Davies Building, floor Ground Floor
  • Room: G08
  • Org Unit: School of Animal and Veterinary Science
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