Projects per year
Personal profile
Particulars
I graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 1992 with a first class Honours degree in Psychology. I went on to pursue a PhD in QUB on the welfare of kennelled dogs, graduating with my Doctorate in 1996. After several years of post-doc research, I was appointed to a lectureship in Animal Welfare in 1999. I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2004 and to Reader in 2013.
Research Interests
My research concentrates on animal behaviour and welfare, with a particular focus on the domestic dog. Much of my work has been concerned with exploring the welfare of animals housed in captivity (e.g. zoos, rescue kennels) and finding ways of improving psychological well-being through the implementation of novel and scientifically tested enrichment strategies. Other research areas include pets and human health, behaviour problems in companion animals and, more recently, laterality in animals.
Teaching
I teach at Level 1 (Introductory Psychology) and Level 3 (Animal Behaviour) on the UG curriculum. I supervise Level 1 and Level 2 project groups and final year thesis students. I currently have one PhD student, studying laterality in cats.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Network
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R1157PSY: Lateralised behaviour as a predictor of welfare risk in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris
01/08/2013 → 31/08/2017
Project: Research
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Quality of the human–animal bond and mental wellbeing during a Covid-19 lockdown
Wells, D. L., Clements, M. A., Elliott, L. J., Meehan, E. S., Montgomery, C. J. & Williams, G. A., 01 Apr 2022, In: Anthrozoos. 35, 6, p. 847-866Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Citations (Scopus)95 Downloads (Pure) -
Aspects of zoo experiences that increase feelings of connectedness and conservation caring
Macri, A. & Wells, D., 19 Jul 2021.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
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Conservation begins with a connection
Macri, A. & Wells, D., 08 Oct 2021.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
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Zoos do more than connect us with animals -they connect us with each other (even remotely)
Macri, A. & Wells, D., 01 Aug 2021, WAZA Magazine, 2021, 2, p. 30-33 4 p.Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
File6 Downloads (Pure) -
Using judgment bias test in pet and shelter dogs (Canis familiaris): Methodological and statistical caveats
Burani, C., Barnard, S., Wells, D., Pelosi, A. & Valsecchi, P., 27 Oct 2020, In: PLoS One. 15, 10, 23 p., e0241344.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)159 Downloads (Pure)
Prizes
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Research Prize for Best Research Project
Wells, Deborah (Recipient), 2005
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship Award
Wells, Deborah (Recipient), 1999
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
Activities
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Animals (Journal)
Deborah Wells (Peer reviewer)
2019Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Publication peer-review
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Anthrozoos (Journal)
Deborah Wells (Editorial advisory board member)
2012 → …Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial activity
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International Working Group for Advice on Dogs and Human Health
Deborah Wells (Member)
2011 → 2012Activity: Consultancy types › Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups
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Applied Animal Behaviour Science (Journal)
Deborah Wells (Editorial advisory board member)
2011 → …Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial activity
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1st and 3rd Reign of Catz and Dogz Conferences (Event)
Deborah Wells (Member)
2009 → 2011Activity: Membership types › Membership of peer review panel or committee
Impact
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Improving the Psychological Wellbeing of Captive Animals
Deborah Wells (Participant) & Peter Hepper (Participant)
Impact: Quality of Life Impact, Public Policy Impact