Melanie J. Rock

Melanie J. Rock, Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine, specializes in medical anthropology and One Health promotion. Since joining the faculty in 2003, her research explores human-animal interfaces in population health, particularly in urban environments and vulnerable communities.

• PhD in Medical Anthropology from McGill University
• Postdoctoral work at Université de Montréal on health promotion in social inequalities

Her research program integrates social science perspectives with public health, focusing on:

• Multispecies health equity in urban spaces
• Ethical implications of pet ownership in aging populations
• Policy analysis of animal management in disasters
• Critical examination of veterinary expertise and public trust

The 15 most recent publications reveal trends in:

• Exploring animal models for human dementia research
• Investigating zoonotic disease transmission in urban parks
• Addressing moral distress in veterinary practice
• Developing multispecies frameworks for healthy cities
• Evaluating pet ownership in Indigenous communities
• Mapping human-animal responsibility in disaster scenarios

Scientific recognition includes:

• SSHRC research grant
• Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions Population Health Investigator Award
• CIHR New Investigator Award in Cultural and Societal Dimensions of Health

Melanie's work bridges academic research with community engagement, particularly through subsidized veterinary service evaluations and pet-inclusive housing policies.