One of my main areas of research is the welfare of production animals. I am interested in the behavioural indicators of pain, and in particular the relationship between disease, behaviour, and welfare. I developed the Sheep Pain Facial Expression Scale that can be used by farmers and veterinarians to help them recognise and assess pain in sheep.
I currently collaborate with Dr Marwa Mahmoud from the University of Glasgow School of Computing, who is also a research fellow of the Cambridge Computer Science department working on developing an automated system for facial expression and lameness detection, as well as the potential for parturition.
I also collaborate with Dr Jane Ladlow from Hamilton Veterinary Specialist referrals who has extensive research experience in upper respiratory disease in dogs, and the Cambridge BOAS Research Group, working on developing a facial expression scale to assess the welfare of Brachycephalic dogs.
See below for more details on these projects and others.
See below for more details on these projects and others.
Looking for a supervisor or potential collaborations?
I am always interested in supervising masters and PhD projects looking at the following areas, but I am also open to other research projects looking at welfare and behaviour in farm, equine or companion animals:
- Precision livestock farming.
- Using technology to assess animal welfare.
- Facial recognition in sheep.
- Facial expression of pain during parturition in sheep.
- Facial expression in BOAS dogs.
- Welfare assessments in equine, farm, or companion animals
- Disease and pain in farm and equine species.
- Lameness in farm or equine species.
Please email me for more information on how to apply for these projects or if you are interested in collaborating with me.