Who We Are

Sky Sobol, MS - PhD Student

Sky Sobol is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. She is interested in studying the behavioral and welfare benefits of group classes (especially scentwork) on dogs. She received her Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts University. Sky has a passion for rescue dogs and has extensive experience working and volunteering for humane societies and rescues. She is looking forward to working on the Bioacoustics of Human-Dog Play project.

Lorraine Guadio - MA Student

Lorraine is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Anthropology. She is interested in studying the history of anthropomorphic and anthropocentric views of animals and how it affects the human-dog relationship today. Lorraine is also a Graduate Research Assistant and a Teaching Assistant.

Lorraine owned a small pet care business for over a decade. She is a National Certified Master Groomer (NCMG) and has groomed dogs and cats since 1996. Lorraine also certified as a professional dog trainer and has taught group and private training classes using a clicker and other positive training methods for more than ten years. During Lorraine's undergraduate education, she worked as a Veterinary Technician Assistant. Lorraine graduated from Salt Lake Community College with three Associates: Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, and then Boise State University with a bachelor's in biology and a minor in psychology.

Karl Prokop - MA Student

Karl is a recent graduate of Boise State University with a double business degree. During his undergraduate studies, he was part of the Global Scholars Program which was researching human-wildlife conflict and eco-tourism with a focus on the grey wolf.

He is currently pursuing a Masters of Art in Anthropology investigating Human-Wildlife Interactions and Conflict; with a focus on perceptions and attitudes about and directed toward the grey wolf (Canis lupus).

Sydney Schultz - MA Student

Sydney is a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Art in Anthropology, with a focus on the positive impacts that animal-assisted intervention – specifically with therapy dogs – can have on the stress levels and general mental health of people working in high-stress jobs. Despite having completed their undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Biology, Sydney realized throughout their educational career that their true interests are in Anthropology, which has allowed them to channel their love of animals into their work on their Master’s Degree. After completing their MA degree, Sydney plans on pursuing a PhD in Anthropology.

Mackenzie Bennett - MAA Student

Mackenzie is a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Applied Anthropology. They graduated from Boise State University with a major in biology and minors in communications and environmental studies. They have an interest in science communication, conservation biology, and the role of the public in creating and applying solutions to ecological issues. They have extensive experience as a naturalist volunteer at Zoo Boise. Mackenzie is returning for their Masters of Applied Anthropology with a focus on science communication.

Bentley Arnold - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Bentley is a first-year undergraduate majoring in Environmental Studies. He has always been fascinated with the environment and preservation, and he hopes to do conservation work in the future. He grew up with dogs, chickens, cats, and bees, and has experience working with animals at the Idaho Humane Society. He looks forward to getting experience doing research with animals in the Bioacoustics of Human-Dog Play project.

Carson Benzinger - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Carson is a sophomore undergraduate student majoring in Biology with emphasis in Pre-Veterinary studies. He grew up with a fascination for animals and knew he wanted to work with them from a very young age, now hoping to apply this research done with the ECHOS lab to his future career. Carson is also a member of the Boise State Beekeeping Club.

Shannon (Shea) Cobb - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Shea is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology, with an in-progress certificate in Intermediate ASL. She is passionate about mental health and the role that animals can play in our wellbeing. After graduating, she plans to pursue a MA in Social Work, with an emphasis in animal-assisted interventions. Shea has supported the development and implementation of humane education curriculum for the Idaho Humane Society; as well as conducted statistical analysis of Veterinary Compassion Fatigue data, and presented at the ISAZ 2022 conference. Shea plans to continue research about Veterinary Compassion Fatigue, and support the Bioacoustics of Human-Dog Play and other projects.

Hannah Hedelius- Humane Education Project Lead; HERC Fellow SP '22

Hannah is a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Pre-Medical Pathways. She plans to go to medical school after she graduates, with an interest in orthopedics and pediatrics. Hannah grew up with animals, including puppies, cats, fish, and a tree frog named Fido. She is very interested in learning about the relationship between animal and human health, and is excited to take on whatever adventures the VIP brings. Hannah will be managing the development of humane education curriculum for the Idaho Humane Society.

Veronika Keeton - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Veronika is a third year undergraduate student majoring in anthropology with a pre-vet studies emphasis. She has always had a passion for animals and enjoys learning about them and helping them. She would love to use the knowledge gained in the ECHOS Lab to advance in her future career path!"

Makayla Kiperash - Undergraduate Research Assistant

Makayla is a third year undergraduate studying biology with an Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior emphasis. She did not have many pets growing up, but she expresses a passion to be a part of the animal world. She is very interested in animal behavior and physiology in order to better understand why animals do what they do and how we as humans can better connect with them. Animal rescue is also something that she holds very close to her heart, and she hopes to be able to spread awareness to issues surrounding animal rescue and how us as community members can help and/or support. Makayla began working on the Bioacoustics of Human-Dog Play project in Fall 2021.