Centre for Behaviour and Evolution

Staff Profile

Dr Catherine Douglas

Reader in Animal Welfare and Behaviour

Background

Catherine Douglas (née Bertenshaw)

The pinnacle of my achievement to date has to be my Ig Nobel Prize, International Prize for Veterinary Medicine

More serious roles and responsibilities include:

Current:

Lecturer, Newcastle University (Animal Science and Agriculture)

I lecture in a range of Animal Science (Farm Animal and Companion Animal) related disciplines including: Animal Welfare, Behaviour, Nutrition. 

Degree Programme Director BSc Agriculture and BSc Animal Science, Newcastle University

 

Previous:

Centre Administrator for Combined Honours, Newcastle University.

I managed the Combined Honours Centre which coordinates the BA Combined Honours: planning, academic delivery and quality assurance, HR, student pastoral support, finance, also including supervision of student projects.

 

Assistant Registrar NUMed (Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia), Newcastle University, UK (2010-2012)

I managed the Newcastle end of the NUMed Malaysia transition project to support the establishment of the branch campus in Malaysia.

Regional Manager (NE, Yorkshire and Scotland) VETNET Lifelong Learning Network, Newcastle University (2007-2010)

I delivered the HEFCE-funded, Royal Veterinary College led, VETNET LLN Widening Participation project for 14 FE and HE Institutes in the region to increase access to HE for vocational learners. 

Associate Lecturer Companion Animal Science, Newcastle University (2007 - 2010)

Lecturer in Animal Management, East Durham College (2003-2007)

Guest Lecturer in Teacher Training, University of Sunderland (2006-2007)

Widening Participation Progression Coach, Newcastle (2002-2003)

Management Advisor to Dairy Farmers, Cheshire/Shropshire/Lancashire (1994-1998)

 

Qualifications

·        University Chameleon Programme (2013)

         Prince 2 Practitioner (Project Management) (2010)

·        Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (2009)

·        Certificate of Advanced Studies in Academic Practice, Newcastle University (2009)

·        Post Graduate Certificate in Education (FE), Sunderland University (2004)

·        PhD Dairy Cow Welfare and Production, Newcastle University (2002)

·        BSc Agriculture, Newcastle University (1994)

Research

Research Interests: 

Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and the Human Animal Relationship (HAR) in companion and farm animals:

  • Differences in companion animal behaviour and temperament profiles based on experience (e.g. puppy farm/rescue home/neuter status) and breed (e.g. newly recognised cross-breed dogs)
  • Cognitive bias to measure affective state. Can whether an animal perceives its glass half full or half empty, be measured and if so can it inform on the welfare of the animal under different management regimes.
  • Human-animal interaction and its affects on welfare, behaviour and production in the dairy herd. 

Student Transition: 

Peer Assisted Learning, and extended inductions to reduce attrition and increase success in non-traditional learners in HE. 


Teaching

Reader in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, Teaching and Engagement / Degree Programme Director BSc Agriculture, and BSc Animal Science, Newcastle University (2024 - current)

Senior Lecturer Animal Science / Degree Programme Director BSc Agriculture, and BSc Animal Science, Newcastle University (2020 - 2024)

Lecturer Animal Science / Degree Programme Director BSc Agriculture, and BSc Animal Science, Newcastle University (2015 - 2020)

Teaching Fellow - Animal Science, Newcastle University (2013 - 2015)

Associate Lecturer Companion Animal Science, Newcastle University (2007 - 2010)

Lecturer in Animal Management, East Durham College (2003-2007)

Guest Lecturer in Teacher Training, University of Sunderland (2006-2007)

Publications