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Research Focus

My research sits at the intersection of psychology, ethology, and human–animal studies, with a focus on canids and human–animal relationships. Grounded in behavioural science, it spans domestic and wild species and translates theory into practice across four interconnected themes:

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  1. Canid cognition and behaviour: I investigate the anatomy, cognition, and behavioural ecology of wild and domestic canids, particularly dingoes, drawing comparisons to better understand evolutionary processes and species differences.

  2. Human–animal interactions: This broad theme explores the psychological, behavioural, and cultural dynamics of human relationships with animals, from domestic co-sleeping to human–wildlife conflict and conservation psychology.

  3. Non-lethal solutions to human–carnivore conflict: I design, implement, and evaluate innovative strategies to reduce conflict between humans and carnivores, with a focus on ethical, sustainable, and inclusive approaches addressing ecological and social dimensions.

  4. Working with First Nations for cultural and ecological insight: I work alongside Aboriginal communities and organisations to foreground Indigenous knowledge systems in dingo management and conservation, supporting co-designed research and cultural recognition.

 

Please also see my list of publications.

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For research videos click here

Research Funding

Research Supervision

I am currently available to provide research supervision on a variety of topics from animal behaviour to human-animal interactions.

Past and present students include:

 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

 

Current

  1. Linda Harper, CQUniversity (2024-present). Primary supervisor. Thesis: Dingoes on Nyangumarta Country.

  2. Emma McLean, Central Queensland University (2021-present). Primary supervisor. Thesis: Determining the impacts of dingoes on livestock production: A case study from Central West, New South Wales.

 

Completed

  1. Dr Brenton Williams, Central Queensland University (2019-2024). Associate Supervisor. Thesis: Understanding gambling related cognitive fallacies through their association with core knowledge confusions.

  2. Dr Karen Luke, Central Queensland University (2019-2024). Associate Supervisor. Thesis: Horses and humans: The role of horse welfare and human motivation in rider safety and rider satisfaction.

  3. Dr Robert Appleby, Griffith University (2015-2023). External Supervisor. Thesis: Exploring interactions between people and wongari (dingoes) on K’gari.

  4. Dr Petra Edwards, University of Adelaide (2017-2022). External Supervisor. Thesis:

  5. Dr Joshua Trigg, Central Queensland University (2013-2018). Associate Supervisor. Thesis: The influence of human-animal bond upon guardian perceptions and behaviours within disaster preparedness contexts: A bond-centred examination of companion animals as potential motivators of disaster preparedness.

  6. Dr Michael Cvirn, Central Queensland University (2012-2018). Associate Supervisor. Thesis: The effects of temperature, sleep restriction, and physical activity on the sleep architecture and cognitive performance of volunteer firefighters during various simulated wildland fireground tours.

  7. Dr Veronika Czerwinski, University of Adelaide (2013-2017). Associate Supervisor. Thesis: The influence of maternal care on stress-related responses in puppies, Canis familiaris.

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PSYCHOLOGY CLINICAL MASTERS (6th year)

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  1. Taya Coates, CQUniversity, 2017. Associate Supervisor. Thesis titled “Equine assisted therapy: Locus of control and adult trauma victims.”

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PSYCHOLOGY HONOURS (4th year) (n=39)

 

Dingoes and wild canids

  1. Kimiko Yoshinaga (2024–25) – Decoding dingo hunting: A systematic review and meta-ethnographic synthesis

  2. Jacquelyne Augutis (2024) – K’gari’s dingo dilemma: Media narratives, public perception, and the social license for dingo management

  3. Kimberley Mercer (2023) – Interpreting ambiguous human-directed behaviour by dingoes: An analysis of expert perspectives

  4. Owen Flanders (2019) – When dingoes “attack”: A look at human-dingo interactions as reported by the media

  5. Gillian McDermott (2017) – Decoding the nature of dingo–human interactions on Fraser Island

  6. Brenton Williams (2017) – Encephalisation in the Canidae

  7. Kristie Hume (2015–16, Adelaide University) – Hyperextension of the neck: A comparative study between dingoes and greyhounds

  8. Suzanne Hallett (2014m Adelaide University, co-supervisor) – The influence of domestication on the cognitive function of canids

 

Human–animal interaction and animal welfare

  1. Kimberley McDonnell (2024) – Attitudes and support for koala conservation in Central Queensland

  2. Tracey Taylor (2022, Adelaide University, co-supervisor) – Caring for senior dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction

  3. Charley Viner (2021) – Compassion fatigue and mindful self-care in animal rescue workers

  4. Emma Dawes (2020) – Adjectives describing equine personality in online advertising

  5. Kalan Ward (2018, Adelaide University, co-supervisor) – Perceptions of staffy-type dogs in shelters

  6. Stephanie Jarvis (2016) – Psychological predictors for naming companion animals

  7. Johanna Aldersey (2016, Adelaide University, co-supervisor) – Behaviour tests for assistance dog career pathways

  8. Petra Edwards (2015–16, Adelaide University, co-supervisor) – Harness and halter use by dog owners

  9. Ashley Dale (2014)* – Teachers’ attitudes toward animal-assisted therapy for students with autism

  10. Lucy Braendler (2014, Adelaide University) – Stress and learning in newly surrendered shelter dogs

 

Children, animals and media

  1. Kiri Combi (2023–24) – Animal-assisted activities in early childhood education

  2. Kelly Campbell (2023)* – Exploring resiliency in Bluey

  3. Breanna Morgan (2022–23)* – Wildlife and natural environments in children’s television

  4. Kaye Ahern (2021) – Animals on Australian preschool television

  5. Tina Skyring-Quirk (2021) – Pets and coping with low-level trauma in children

  6. Elaine Smit (2021)* – Animal-themed literature for childhood grief and loss

  7. Claire Dowling (2020) – Negotiating interactions between children and dogs

 

Attitudes, conservation, and cognition

  1. Ryan Simmons (2024) – Confirmatory factor analysis on the Australian Attitudes Towards Wildlife Scale (AAWS)

  2. Natalie Jacques (2019) – Attitudes of Australians toward wildlife management

  3. Joy Smith (2017) – Development of the Attitudes of Australians toward wildlife Scale (AAWS)

  4. Rebecca Griffin (2019) – Social influences on baby name choices

  5. Jasmine Wilkes (2018) – Dog ownership attitudes and behavioural problems

 

Human–nature connection

  1. Brad Nelson (2019) – Smartphone photography and nature connection

  2. Kathleen DeHaan (2019) – Natural places in place identity

 

Human–animal co-sleeping

  1. Jessica Mack (2015)* – Impacts of human–animal co-sleeping

  2. Peta Hazelton (2015)* – Co-sleeping among Australian dog owners

 

Disaster, firefighters, and safety

  1. Tess Armstrong (2013)* – Subjective measures in firefighter impairment

  2. Tamika Christoforou (2013)* – Multi-stressor environments and cognitive functioning in firefighters

  3. Emma Barry (2012) – Sleep restriction and performance perception in bushland firefighters

  4. Brett Bodsworth (2015) – Livestock owners' decisions during bushfire

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DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE RESEARCH PROJECT (ADELAIDE UNIVERSITY)

 

  1. Keisha Saler (2021) – Hyperflexibility of the dingo proximal thoracic limb.

  2. Chloe Mertzandis (2021) –  Hyperflexibility of the dingo distal thoracic limb in comparison to the domestic dog.

  3. Mei Yuaen (Nicole) Poh (2018) –  Hyperflexibility of the hip joint in dingoes (Canis dingo) compared to dogs (Canis familiaris).

  4. Ma Hong (Christie) Kei (2018) – Orbital angle in the Australian dingo (Canis dingo).

  5. Rachel Holligan (2017) – Can cognitive behavioural tests be used to determine individual differences and appropriate career pathway in assistance dogs?

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Elevate Scholarship

2024–2027, Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and CQUniversity, $138,000 (including $74,000 industry contribution)

Dr Bradley Smith (CI)

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Dingoes on Nyangumarta Warrarn Indigenous Protected Area

2022-2023, Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), $30,020.

Dr Bradley Smith (CI); Dr Ben Pitcher (Taronga Conservation Society); Dr Neil Jordan (UNSW).

 

Understanding community attitudes to further koala conservation in Central Queensland

2022-2023, Central Queensland University Merit Grant, $14,307.

Dr Rolf Schlagloth (CI); Dr Bradley Smith; Dr Flavia Santamaria; Dr Mike Danaher; Dr Michael Hewson; Dr Douglas Kerling (Griffith); Dr Judy Rose (Griffith).

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Promoting human-carnivore co-existence: Examining non-lethal tools for sustainable dingo management

2018/19   CQUniversity (Merit Grant)   $30,850

Dr Bradley Smith, Dr Kathryn Moseby, Dr Euan Ritchie, Prof. Owen Nevin, Mr Robert Appleby

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The population, behaviour and management of dingoes at Telfer Mine, Western Australia​

2015/16   CQUniversity and Newcrest Mining (Linkage grant)   $31,000

Dr Bradley Smith, Mr Robert Appleby

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Behavioural development in a unique Australian mammal: The dingo (Canis dingo)

2013   CQUniversity (Seed Grant Scheme)  $11,304

Dr Bradley Smith, Prof Clive Wynne

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