Finding a love of animals
Vikki’s journey in veterinary medicine first began in a local park near her family home where she spent time feeding some (very tame) squirrels. It was here that she first developed a love of animals and over the years came to realise that she wished to pursue this passion as a career. Vikki went on to study Animal Behaviour and Cognition at the University of Exeter, an MRes in Animal Behaviour in Newcastle and finally a PhD right here in Bristol.
Upon completing her PhD, Vikki has continued to focus her efforts in research. Her work involves better understand the emotion of non-human animals. Vikki’s research looks to address how we can measure emotions objectively, how we can induce positive emotions and minimise negative ones and why emotions might exist. In order to answer these questions, Vikki’s work takes a multidisciplinary approach. Her research draws on a range of fields including cognitive and computational neuroscience, decision theory, ethology and psychology. It is this outstanding work that meant Vikki was presented the UFAW award. We asked Vikki what this recognition meant to her:
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive this year’s UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award. It is a joy and privilege to be an animal welfare researcher, and this award is the cherry on top of the cake. I'm hugely grateful to my wonderful colleagues and mentors, particularly Professor Mike Mendl, Dr Liz Paul, Professor Peter Dayan and Professor Iain Gilchrist, for their support and encouragement."
Celebrating success
Bristol Veterinary School is delighted for Vikki and her success. Dr Tim Parkin, Head of Bristol Veterinary School, commented:
“The research Vikki has done into animal welfare has been outstanding and I am delighted that Vikki is receiving some recognition for her hard work. At Bristol Veterinary School we are constantly looking to drive positive change in veterinary medicine and make a difference both nationally and internationally. Vikki is undoubtedly contributing to this aim and it is a pleasure to have her as part of the team.”