My research focuses on discovering the science behind human-animal interaction. I am passionate about understanding how we can partner with animals to create interventions for individuals who have experienced trauma.

I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Center for the Human-Animal Bond in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. I have a PhD in Human-Animal Interaction. My PhD and postdoc primarily focused on the efficacy of service dogs for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and how service dogs influence military families. Prior to my PhD, I earned my MS at North Carolina State University, where I focused on identifying potential communicative processes involved in equine assisted services for individuals who had experienced trauma.

Outside of my academic career, I am an equine specialist for equine assisted services and sit on the board of directors for two equine assisted services programs. I have a special interest in connecting research with practice.