معرفی
Deirdre Yeater, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Sacred Heart University, where she has taught since Fall 2008. She integrates her marine mammal research into courses like Human and Animal Learning (PS335) and The Human Journey: The Individual and Society (PSCC103). Dr. Yeater serves as advisor for the Psychology Club.
- B.S., SUNY Maritime College
- M.A. & Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi
Her research focuses on marine mammal cognition and behavior, including dolphin imitation, social learning, vessel traffic effects, and noise impacts. Current projects involve visual laterality studies in belugas at Mystic Aquarium and environmental enrichment for captive river otters.
Recent research output (29 total) explores comparative cognition between dolphins and preschool children, tactile communication in cetaceans, and tourist attitude shifts from human-dolphin interactions. Articles appear in journals like Animal Cognition and Comparative Cognition & Behavior Reviews.
- URCG Award (2024)
- Promotion (2019)
- Tenure Award (2014)
Dr. Yeater co-teaches the PS200-level elective 'Are You Smarter than a Dolphin' with Dr. Melzer and incorporates marine mammal cognition into her First Year Seminar course 'Comparative Animal Psychology: Are Dolphins Deep Thinkers?'.
