Who We Are

Current Lab Members

Shelly Volsche, PhD, CPDT-KA - Principle Investigator; Lead

Dr. Volsche is the lead faculty at the ECHOS Lab Group. Before returning to graduate school, Dr. Volsche worked as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer helping owners with basic manners and behavior problems.

After completing her undergraduate work, Dr. Volsche began investigating human-canine attachment and coevolution. Her current projects focus on the application of parenting strategies to pets, observations of human-canine interactions, and the evolution of heterospecific social contagions. She is also focused on animal welfare, the treatment and role of animals in research, and the need for a One Health perspective in this work.

Sky Sobol, MS - PhD Student

Sky Sobol is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. She is studying the behavioral and welfare benefits of group classes on reactive 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.

Hallie Shean - MA Student

Hallie is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Anthropology. She is interested in how animal welfare is affected by human-animal interactions. She received her undergraduate degree from Oregon State University in Biology with a pre-vet concentration. Her undergraduate thesis explored dog and cat attachment and proximity seeking behavior during the pandemic. Hallie is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant.