Editorial Team

Dr. Shelly Volsche is an interdisciplinary scientist with a professional background in animal training and welfare. She holds a BA in Psychology and a PhD in Anthropology, emphasizing cultural and evolutionary aspects of cognition and behavior. Recent projects explore shared social cues and the play pant in dog-human play; emotional and social implications of living and working with reactive dogs; and the cross-cultural phenomenon of applying our parenting strategies to the companion animals in our homes. She is dedicated to her own professional development as well as the development of those around her and is a Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCP-T) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). Dr. Volsche is a member of the faculty at Boise State University, where she teaches courses on behavioral ecology, evolved cognition, and our deep-rooted connection to other species. She also heads the Evolutionary Connections of Humans and Other Species (ECHOS) Lab.

Main Research-Areas

• Interspecific communication and social cues
• One Health, One Welfare in the human-animal bond
• Applied learning and cognition
• Attribution of mind and affect