Professor Sandra Barker and Professor Randolph Barker from the Virginia Commonwealth University (pictured on the right with Benson) will be visiting the School of Physiotherapy on the 18th November. Prof's Barker are both leading experts in the field of human-canine interactions.
They are hosted by Dr Cath Smith whose research interests are dog walking and how this human-animal relationship influences health and wellbeing.
To find out more about their visit, contact: cath.smith@otago.ac.nz
Public Lecture
As part of their visit Sandra and Randolph will be presenting the following public lecture:
'Evidence supporting health benefits of human-canine interactions'
Friday 18th November
School of Physiotherapy
Room 102
5pm
About Sandra and Randolph
Sandra Barker
Dr. Sandra Barker is Professor of Psychiatry and Bill Balaban Endowed Chair in Human-Animal Interaction at where she serves as Director of the School of Medicine Center for Human-Animal Interaction (CHAI), and Affiliate Scientist in the Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research. She has vast teaching and clinical experience in treating trauma survivors, providing and evaluating animal-assisted interventions, and directing and providing a pet loss counseling program. She is internationally recognized for her research on the health benefits of interacting with companion animals. Dr. Barker also holds a joint appointment as Adjunct Professor of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine where she established a pet loss support hotline and currently serves on their Advisory Board for the Center for Animal-Human Relationships. Dr. Barker has published and presented extensively on the benefits of interacting with companion animals and is active in professional organizations, having held numerous offices and serving on editorial review boards. She is a Patron of the Irish Therapy Dog organization and works as a volunteer with rescue dogs in Virginia, USA.
Dr. Randolph Barker
Dr. Randolph Barker is Professor Emeritus in Management from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business and Fellow and Professor, in the Williamson Institute for Health Studies in the VCU School of Allied Health. Prior to his academic career, he worked in both the public sector and private sector in the United States. Dr. Barker has extensive experience in leadership, management and program implementation. He serves as an Affiliate Faculty Senior Research Associate and Administrative Volunteer in The Center for Human-Animal Interaction. His extensive research has been internationally recognized in organizational communication, benefits of companion animals and dogs in the workplace. He has presented globally, taught in South Korea, recipient of the Virginia Commonwealth University Distinguished Teaching Award and other teaching, research and service recognitions. Dr. Barker has held numerous national and international offices and serves on academic editorial boards. He is a Patron of the Irish Therapy Dog organization and works as a volunteer with rescue dogs in Virginia, USA.