About
ABMSS 2025
Join us for an engaging Animal Behavior Meets Social Science Symposium (ABMSS), available in person or via Zoom, where we explore the fascinating world of animal behavior research and its real-world applications. This event highlights the essential role that zoos play in conservation and showcases groundbreaking research from experts in the field.
We are honored to feature Dr. Eduardo Fernandez (University of Adelaide) as our guest speaker. Dr. Fernandez, a Senior Lecturer in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare and Director of the Animal Behaviour Program, will share insights on how behavioral research enhances the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. With extensive experience collaborating with zoos worldwide, his work continues to shape the field of animal behavior and welfare.
Additionally, the Gladys Porter Zoo Panel will bring together leading professionals, including Dr. Patrick Burchfield, Dr. Valerie James-Aldridge, Patricia Scanlan, TC Smith, Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, and Colette Adams. They will discuss the zoo’s conservation efforts, animal welfare strategies, and the integration of research into practice.
This symposium will also feature students/faculty presenting their studies on animal behavior, providing a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain valuable insights and network with experts in the field.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with professionals and explore the dynamic intersection of psychology, animal behavior, and conservation.
Date: April 21, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 5:30 PM
Presentations Room: Plains Capital Bank Theater (ESTUN)
Networking Event Room: ESTUN 2.406
Zoom Invite Link:
https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/6292715539?pwd=Z2l6dkwreU01NjdoZkI2NGJMNmdGUT09
ABMSS Organizers
Dr. Mario Gil
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Claudia Martinez, M.A.
Associate Professor
Psychological Science
Claudia Martinez, M.A.
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Claudia Martinez, M.A.
Lecturer II
Psychological Science
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Curator of Behavioral Research
Gladys Porter Zoo
Patricia Scanlan, M.A.
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Curator of Animal Welfare
Gladys Porter Zoo
Symposium Itinerary
Meet the Keynote Speaker
Dr. Eduardo J. Fernandez
Dr. Fernandez is a Senior Lecturer of Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare and Director of the Animal Behaviour Program in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at the University of Adelaide (Australia). He received his Ph.D. in Psychology (minors in Neuroscience and Animal Behavior) from Indiana University, where he worked with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoo. He received his M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA).
Most of his past and current work involves behavioral research applied to the welfare and training of zoo, aquarium, and companion animals. He is a past Postdoctoral Fellow with the National Science Foundation and Research Fellow with University of Washington, where he ran the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, which conducted welfare research with many of the species and exhibits located throughout Woodland Park Zoo. He currently runs the Exotic Enrichment and Learning (EEL) lab, which is dedicated to welfare research to improve the lives of zoo animals.
Many of Eduardo's past publications, research projects, and presentations can be found on his ResearchGate profile:
Meet the Gladys Porter Zoo Panel
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Zoo Director
Dr. Wendy James-Aldridge
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Curator of Behavioral Resesarch
Patricia Scanlan, M.A.
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Patricia Scanlan, M.A.
Curator of Animal Welfare
Colette Adams
Dr. Patrick Burchfield
Patricia Scanlan, M.A.
Deputy Director
TC Smith
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Associate Curator of Carnivores & Gorillas
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Curator of Aquatics & Dive Safety Officer
Claudia Martinez, M.A.
Kathleen Thompson-Hawk, M.S.
Claudia Martinez, M.A.
Zoo Panel Moderator/ Lecturer II
Meet the Students/Faculty Presenters
Ramiro Gomez
Carolina Morales
Bianca Camacho
Presenting
From Theory to Practice: The Evolution of Comparative Psychology and Its Applications in Gorilla Research
Bianca Camacho
Carolina Morales
Bianca Camacho
Presenting
The Translational Power of the Mesocricetus auratus in Menstrual and Mental Health
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Presenting
Enhancing Introduction Strategies: Behavioral Adaptations in Zoo-housed Chimpanzees
Jose Baltazar
Carolina Morales
Carolina Morales
Presenting
Important Considerations for the Quantification of Animal Behavior
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Presenting
Assessing Sex-Based Playmate Preferences in Male Juvenile Western Lowland Gorillas
Ricardo Martinez
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Presenting
The Influence of Age and Enclosure Design on Captive Gibbon Social Interactions
Destiny Mia Contreras
Julietta Torres-Ortega
Carl Vestweber, M.F.A.
Presenting
From Zoo Teen to Future Vet: How the Summer Teen Program Continues to Shape My Career Path