Anthrozoology Research Group

Mia Cobb

I completed my Bachelor of Science degree (Monash University) majoring in Zoology in 1998. During 1999 I completed my Honours degree in Biological Sciences (Animal Behaviour/Ecology). Under the supervision of Associate Professor Alan Lill my research project investigated the diet, foraging behaviour and interspecific interactions of the Pied Currawong in urban Melbourne. This was a very interesting project looking at a native species that is invading urban areas.

During the year I also commenced work as a research assistant to Dr Martin Burd, assisting in the investigation of foraging behaviour of South American leaf-cutting ants.

Following Honours I travelled overseas to various locations throughout Europe, India and Nepal, returning to Melbourne in 2001. I started work at RSPCA Victoria, where I was employed for the following 2 years, performing a number of roles including Animal Attendant, Animal Rescue Ambulance Driver and Education Officer. The time spent working in the RSPCA Welfare Shelter along with my love of animals and interest in their behaviour made me very passionate about domestic animal welfare.

In 2003 I moved to my current position at Guide Dogs Victoria. I am now undertaking post-graduate research (Masters) under the supervision of Dr Pauleen Bennett and Associate Professor Alan Lill to investigate the behavioural and physiological effects of introducing a structured enrichment program into a kennelled population of domestic dogs. I am interested in minimizing kennel stress and consequently improving welfare and hopefully also training outcomes.