Yasmeen Gomez

Growing up as the only animal-oriented person in my family, I was inclined towards animal care from a young age. This interest led me to explore various avenues for working with animals, which aided in my skill development. My experience began with hands-on roles such as a dog groomer, kennel attendant, and veterinary assistant, each providing unique insights into animal care. These roles improved my understanding of animal management but also highlighted the importance of mental stimulation and enrichment for animals. Over the past 2-3 years my focus has narrowed to animal behavior, specifically in the utilization of positive reinforcement. These techniques have been used to modify or refine canine behavior in behaviorally challenged shelter dogs to increase their adoptability.

Currently, I am involved in two exciting research projects: 'Cats in the Bag — Exploration into Cat Strollers' and 'HushPuppy: The Use of Automated Feeders on Shelter Noise Levels.' These projects reflect my ongoing commitment to advancing animal welfare through different species. Ultimately, my professional passion lies in reducing veterinary stress by integrating advanced animal behavior practices into clinical environments. This involves creating and implementing protocols that foster cooperative care, as well as training veterinary staff to handle animals with greater empathy. The Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare Program under Dr. Erica Feuerbacher represents an coalition of my interests and future career ambitions.