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Chris completed his undergraduate degree in pre-vet animal science with dual minors in marine biology and psychology at the University of Rhode Island. During his undergraduate studies, he gained experience working with livestock at Peckham Farm, worked as an aquarist, and volunteered at a small animal veterinary clinic. His time as an undergraduate fostered a love for research, leading him to complete an undergraduate thesis focused on behavior. Following his passion, he pursued a graduate degree in biology at Texas A&M where he studied communication and behavior, specifically looking at the interaction between genes and environmental influences. During his time at A&M, he had the opportunity to engage in international field work, disseminating his research to local communities.

Upon completing his Ph.D., he accepted a postdoctoral position at Oregon State University in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fisheries and W‎ildlife. His research focused on early learning, domestication traits, and welfare by studying steelhead salmon. In addition to research, he expanded his teaching experience by instructing an animal behavior course and mentoring undergraduates involved in his research.

After finishing his postdoc, he started working at Oregon State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with large animals where he taught students in a clinical setting, educating future veterinarians. He is now excited to join the Animal Science department at Johnson and Wales where he will launch a student-focused research program, continuing his work studying domestication traits and animal welfare in a clinical environment.

Education

• Post Doctoral Scholar, Biology, Oregon State University
• Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution, Behavior, Texas A&M University
• B.S. Animal Science, University of Rhode Island

Teaching Interests

Domestication, learning, stress, animal welfare, communication

Courses

• ANSC2010 - Principles of Animal Nutrition
• ANSC1050 - Domestic Animal Anatomy & Physiology
• ANSC2030 - Principles of Animal Behavior & Training
• ANSC4120 - Animal Welfare, Health and Wellness
• EQN3025 - Equine Nutrition