Name: Nancy A. Dreschel
Positions: Instructor of small animal science, undergraduate adviser, adviser for Students for the Responsible Use of Animals
Education: Ph.D., Biobehavioral Health, Penn State, 2007Cornell University, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, 1989Cornell University, 1986
Links: Dairy and Animal Science Department Bio
\”Research aimed at finding way to soothe thunderstorm-stressed dogs\” – Penn State Live
Where are you from?
I grew up outside Buffalo, moved to Tennessee when I was a senior in high school and have lived in State College since 1992.
How did you get to PSU?
My husband lived here when we met, and I moved to State College to marry him. I worked in veterinary practices in town before working at Penn State in the Biobehavioral Health department, and then continuing on in graduate school in that department. I was excited when the companion animal position was offered in the Dairy and Animal Science Department, as it was a way to combine a number of my different interests, including education, outreach and research.
What sparked your interest in companion animal sciences?
I’ve always loved animals and as a veterinarian, I saw first-hand how important a role companion animals play in people’s lives. I am particularly interested in companion animal behavior and human-animal interactions.
What made you choose to specialize in companion animals as opposed to livestock?
I practiced small animal medicine for 11 years after spending two years in a mixed (large and small) animal practice. This experience transferred nicely into teaching and continued learning about companion animals. I still like cattle and am still interested in behavior of all species.
What is your favorite course to teach?
I enjoy teaching all the courses I teach, but I probably enjoy teaching Pets in Society (AnSc 215) the most. It is a general education course, so I have students from a variety of backgrounds and interests in the course. That leads to some interesting discussions and a chance to hear different perspectives. I also teach it online in the fall and summer, which gives me the opportunity to work with students all over the world as well as a lot of adult learners, which is very rewarding.
What do you like most about teaching at Penn State?
I really enjoy interacting with students. Many people like companion animals, so students usually enjoy the classes, but I like to teach them things they didn’t know already. I advise a student club, and it is really nice to get to know students on a more individual level. It is fun to be able to do things that I used to do as hobbies and have them actually be part of my work (writing, volunteering with students, visiting animal facilities, studying behavior).
Do you do any research outside of teaching?
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I’ve done research on the effects of fear and stress on the health, lifespan and physiology of dogs. I’m currently conducting a study looking at the effectiveness of odor therapies on dogs with severe thunderstorm fear. I’m involved with some research on the interactions between working dogs and their handlers and how they affect the behavior and physiology of each other. There are a lot of questions about companion animals that we don’t have answers to.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have a mixed-breed dog, “Mishka,” and a cat, “Kitty.” We recently said goodbye to our pet rat “Cookie” and mouse “Ninja.” I love rodent pets, but they don’t live a long time.
Is there anything you want the general public to know about companion animals that they might not be aware of?
The dog was the first domesticated animal. They’ve been living with humans for a really long time, and we have both adapted to living with each other. I think we should remember that they are dogs, and appreciate them for their unique “dogginess.”
