Animal Studies

Degrees

• Ph.D. candidate, University of Lincoln
• B.Sc., Royal Agricultural University
• Foundation Degree in Animal Science, University of Brighton

Research interests

My research focus areas are Reptile and Amphibian behavior, biology, welfare and cognition. The key theme explored throughout the research is how captive enclosures can holistically affect animals, with a significant emphasis on naturalistic (bioactive) enclosure conditions. With herpetology field in its infancy, finding behavioral baselines often coincides with the topics explored, aiding in applying affective context to herptile behavior, sentience and health. As part of the ethos behind my research, I believe that dissemination of scientific information to the correct institutions and owners is of utmost importance to ensure successful applications of findings.

Biography

Erin’s journey began in the U.K., where she achieved an FdSc in Animal Science through the University of Brighton, a top-up BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare from the Royal Agricultural University, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Lincoln, focusing on Leopard Geckos. Erin’s dedication to her field is evident in her nearly four years of teaching at Plumpton College and her support in delivering lectures at the University of Lincoln.

Erin has also received awards for her time spent in education and teaching. While studying at the RAU, she received an award for Top Student, and while teaching at Plumpton, she came runner-up for Teacher of the Year, as voted for by the students.