Preston Foerder

Dr. Preston Foerder is Assistant Professor of Psychology specializing in comparative cognition research. His work examines problem-solving abilities across species including elephants, otters, dolphins, and therapy dogs.

Key findings include documenting the first evidence of insightful tool use in elephants and analyzing socialization effects on feline cognition. Current research investigates therapy dog impacts on human anxiety and zoo animal enrichment strategies.

Foerder's doctoral research established novel paradigms for studying insight in non-human species. His zoo-based approach combines behavioral observation with controlled cognitive testing.

Prior to academia, Foerder worked professionally as a puppeteer, bringing unique perspectives to animal behavior interpretation.