Dr Vikki Neville
MRes, BSc
Expertise
I investigate animal emotion and welfare using a range of techniques including behavioural experiments and observations, computational modelling, and research synthesis.
Current positions
Research Fellow
Bristol Veterinary School
Contact
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Biography
I completed my BBSRC SWBio DTP funded PhD at Bristol Vet School in 2020 supervised by Prof. Mike Mendl, Dr Liz Paul, Prof Iain Gilchrist, and Prof Peter Dayan in which I investigated the relationship between emotion and decision-making in humans and rats. Prior to this, I undertook a CertHE in Mathematics and French and a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Cognition at the University of Exeter, and then a MRes in Animal Behaviour at Newcastle University. Throughout my career, I have studied a range of companion and laboratory species, including starlings, rabbits, and rats.
Currently, I am working on a BBSRC-funded project which involves developing and implementing a computational modelling approach to identify latent decision processes in rats that might provide a novel insight into their affective state.
Research interests
I am interested in better understanding affective states, comprising transient ‘emotions’ and longer-term ‘moods’, in non-human animals. My research aims to address three broad questions: (1) how can we measure affect objectively (2) how can we induce positive affect and minimise negative affect, and (3) why might affective states exist (i.e. what is their adaptive function)? To answer these questions, my research takes a multidisciplinary approach and draws on a range of fields including cognitive and computational neuroscience, decision theory, ethology, and psychology.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Developing a translational and computational approach to studying animal affect and welfare
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
Bristol Veterinary SchoolDates
01/07/2023 to 31/03/2027
Publications
Recent publications
01/02/2024Examining personality dimensions in rats using a caregiver questionnaire
Applied Animal Behaviour Science
A mapping review of refinements to laboratory rat housing and husbandry
Lab Animal
A primer on the use of computational modelling to investigate affective states, affective disorders and animal welfare in non-human animals
Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience
Are Brachycephalic Dogs Really Cute? Evidence from Online Descriptions
Anthrozoös
That brachycephalic look: Infant-like facial appearance in short-muzzled dog breeds
Animal Welfare
Thesis
Affect and Decision Making
Supervisors
Award date
12/05/2020
Related people
Professor Emma Robinson
Professor of Psychopharmacology
School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Dr Liz Paul
Senior Research Fellow
Bristol Veterinary School
Professor Michael Mendl
Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare
Bristol Veterinary School
Professor Iain Gilchrist
Professor of Neuropsychology
School of Psychological Science