Congratulations to Allison Welk on graduating with her Masters degree in Applied Animal Biology! Her research focused on investigating the effects of intake-based weaning and forage type on the feeding behaviour and performance of dairy calves. Allison is currently a PhD student at the University of Guelph where she continues to research the health and welfare of dairy calves.
Congratulations to Michael Brunt for graduating with his PhD! Michael began his research to better understand the perspectives of those typically excluded from the discussion involving the use of animals for scientific experimentation. The public expects that scientific research with animal subjects is conducted in accordance with their values. His research identified tangible opportunities for institutions to engage in internal and external activities to renegotiate social licences for the use of animals in research. This included a commitment to sustained stakeholder communication towards consensus and a shared vision for transparency at local and national levels. Michael will continue his research at the disciplinary intersection of animal welfare and veterinary humanities. In September 2022, he began a Social Science and Humanities postdoctoral research fellowship at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. His research will investigate how dairy cattle veterinarians perceive their role in promoting positive welfare states. He will also analyze the perceptions of veterinarians, farmers, veterinary students, and professors on who they believe proactively engages in the promotion of positive welfare states of dairy cattle. The results of this work will help identify the barriers to dairy cattle welfare improvements and explore if the ability/inability to promote positive welfare states impacts the mental well-being of stakeholders.