Anthrozoology Research Group

Tiffani Howell

Background:

I am originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. I have a B.A. in French Language and Literature from North Carolina State University (NCSU), USA. When I was an undergraduate student, I spent one year studying abroad in Leeds, England, and when I completed my B.A., I returned to England for an M.A. in International Studies from the University of Newcastle. After moving back home to the USA, I worked for several years at NCSU and Duke University, helping international students and researchers come to the USA for work or study. I learned a lot about visa requirements for entry to the USA, but that skill set is really only applicable to working in America. So, when I moved to Melbourne three years ago, I decided to start PhD research.

Current research:

Under the guidance of my PhD supervisors, I have investigated three different methods for exploring dog cognitive processing. First, we used behavioural research to try to understand whether dogs can use mirrors as a problem-solving tool. It turns out that they can, at least under certain conditions. Second, we developed a minimally-invasive method for using EEG to study cognitive processing in dogs. Using tiny, subdermal needle electrodes inserted just underneath the dogs' skin, it is possible to record EEG waves that are related to processes like memory. Finally, we developed a questionnaire to understand what owners think of dogs' cognitive abilities. These three types of research, I believe, will help expand our knowledge of dog cognitive skills.

Research interests:

Animal behaviour; behavioural ecology; EEG; physiological underpinnings of behaviour; applied animal behaviour analysis; human-animal interactions; animal cognition

Publications:

Howell, T., and Bennett, P., 2010. Can dogs (Canis familiaris) use a mirror to solve a problem? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 6 (1): p. 72. Published abstract.

Howell, T., and Bennett, P., 2011. Puppy Power! Using social cognition research tasks to improve socialization practices for domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 6 (3): p195-204.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P., 2010. Use of minimally-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) to study event-related potentials (ERPs) in dogs (Canis familiaris). Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 6 (1): p. 69.

Howell, T. and Bennett, P., 2011. Can dogs (Canis familiaris) use a mirror to solve a problem? Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 6 (6): p. 306-312.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P., 2011. Development of a minimally-invasive protocol for recording mismatch negativity (MMN) in a dog (Canis familiaris) using electroencephalography (EEG). Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 201 (2): p. 377-380.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P., 2012. Auditory stimulus discrimination recorded in dogs, as indicated by mismatch negativity (MMN). Behavioural Processes, 89 (1): p. 8-13.


Submitted:

Howell, T., Toukhsati, S., Conduit, R., and Bennett, P., (under review). Problem-solving in dogs: Can they use a mirror to find hidden food? Submitted 2012 to Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Invited Talks:

10/2009: Guide Dogs Victoria. “Cognition and Empathy in Domestic Dogs”

Conference & Seminars Presentations:

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P. Can dogs (Canis familiaris) use a mirror to solve a problem? Poster presentation, Canine Science Forum 2012, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 25-27 July 2012. Barcelona, Spain.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P. Perceptions of dog cognitive abilities vary with dog ownership and attachment level. Poster presentation, International Society for Anthrozoology Conference 2012, Edward Murray College, 11-13 July 2012, Cambridge, England.

Howell, T., and Benett, P. How training in social cognitive tasks may improve quality of life in domestic dogs. Poster presentation, RSPCA Scientific Seminar. CSIRO, Canberra, Australia, 22 February 2011.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P. Use of minimally-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) to study event-related potentials (ERPs) in dogs (Canis familiaris). Oral presentation, Canine Science Forum 2010. University of Vienna, 25-28 July 2010. Vienna, Austria.

Howell, T., and Bennett, P. Can dogs (Canis familiaris) use a mirror to solve a problem? Poster and two-minute oral teaser, Canine Science Forum 2010. University of Vienna, 25-28 July 2010. Vienna, Austria.

Howell, T., Conduit, R., Toukhsati, S., and Bennett, P. The utility of minimally-invasive electrencephalography (EEG) in dog cognition research. Oral presentation, Animal Welfare Science Centre student seminar. Department of Primary Industries, 17 June 2010. Melbourne, Australia.

Howell, T., and Bennett, P. The development of inter-specific social cognition in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Oral presentation, PhD Confirmation of Candidature seminar. School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, 28 November 2009. Melbourne, Australia.

Contact: tiffani.howell@monash.edu