Emily Bray

Emily Bray is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine and a Faculty Affiliate in Cognition & Neural Systems. Her research focuses on canine cognition, behavior, and the interplay between developmental, genetic, and environmental factors. She leads the BRAY (Behavioral Research Across Years) Lab, which collaborates with institutions like Canine Companions, the Dog Aging Project, and the ManyDogs Consortium.

Her work explores: early maternal care's impact on dog cognition and life outcomes; genetic bases of individual differences in dog behavior; age-related cognitive decline; and traits of successful working dogs. Recent studies include the Pets Promoting Positive Mental Wellbeing (PAWS) initiative, the Dog Cognitive Development Battery (DCDB), and the ManyDogs international replication projects.

The BRAY Lab's research is funded by organizations including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Mars Waltham. She investigates topics such as oxytocin and cortisol's role in puppy behavior, the effects of physical activity on aging dogs, and machine learning models for predicting service dog success.