Studies changes in an animal's nervous system caused by stress or damage.
Focuses on the ability of the animal to adapt to stressors, and working to develop quantitative methods to measure animal well-being. Currently studies birds to genetically select those that have the highest ability to adapt their nervous systems and to regulate chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine and glutamine, as defense measures against stress. Studies immunological and behavioral indicators of well-being in farm animals. Looks for stress responses in animals and ways to reduce stress associated with various herd management practices. On the United Egg Producers Welfare Committee.