Eduardo Fernandez
Doctor at School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide
We are honored to present Eduardo Fernandez as an Virtual Speaker at the Dog People Evolution Conference 2025.
Eduardo J. Fernandez is a leading expert in animal behavior and welfare, with a career dedicated to improving the lives of animals through behavioral research. He is currently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide in Australia, where he also directs the Animal Behaviour Program in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. Dr. Fernandez will share his personal journey of growth within the field of animal welfare, shedding light on how the human-dog relationship continues to evolve. His research has provided valuable insights into how behavior science can be applied not just to animals in captivity, but also to the dogs that share our homes and communities.
More About Eduardo
Dr. Fernandez’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Psychology, focusing on Neuroscience and Animal Behavior, from Indiana University. His early work involved collaboration with the Indianapolis and Cincinnati Zoos, which sparked his passion for applying behavioral science to the welfare of animals in a variety of settings. He later earned an M.S. in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, where he founded the Organization for Reinforcement Contingencies with Animals (ORCA), a platform designed to advance research and education on positive reinforcement methods.
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Advancing Enrichment and Behavior Science
Dr. Fernandez’s career has been marked by numerous influential roles, including a Postdoctoral Fellowship with the National Science Foundation and a Research Fellowship at the University of Washington. During his time at the University of Washington, he led the Behavioral Enrichment Animal Research (BEAR) group, focusing on welfare research at the Woodland Park Zoo. This work contributed to significant advancements in the care of zoo animals and their enrichment.
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​Currently, Dr. Fernandez runs the Exotic Enrichment and Learning (EEL) Lab, which conducts cutting-edge research to enhance the welfare of exotic animals. His work spans a wide range of species and exhibits, applying behavioral science to create environments that support the well-being and mental stimulation of animals in captivity.
Research, Innovation, and the Evolving Human-Animal Relationship
Throughout his career, Dr. Fernandez has been at the forefront of integrating scientific research into practical applications that improve the lives of animals. His contributions to behavioral welfare research extend beyond zoos and aquariums, with a particular focus on the evolving relationship between humans and animals, particularly in settings that require both training and enrichment.
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Dr. Fernandez’s commitment to innovation and improving animal welfare is evident in his publications, research projects, and presentations, which can be found on his ResearchGate profile. Join us to hear how his career and research have contributed to the ongoing transformation of the dog industry and beyond.