معرفی
Rowena M. A. Packer is Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), where she has progressed from PhD student (2009-2013) to Postdoctoral Researcher (2013-2016), BBSRC Future Leader Research Fellow (2017-2021), Lecturer (2020), and Senior Lecturer (2024). Her work focuses on companion animal health, behavior, and welfare with particular expertise in brachycephalic breeds and canine epilepsy.
Her educational background includes:
- BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare (1st Class) from University of Bristol (2009), receiving UFAW Dissertation Award and University Scholarship
- PhD from RVC (2013) on inherited disorders related to extreme dog conformation
- Postgraduate Certificate in Veterinary Education (RVC, 2021)
Dr. Packer's research examines how breeding practices affect canine health (especially brachycephalic breeds), how chronic conditions like epilepsy impact welfare, and how owner knowledge influences animal welfare outcomes. Her work combines epidemiological approaches with behavioral assessments to address practical welfare concerns in companion animals, with a strong emphasis on translating research into actionable insights for policy and practice.
Her recent publications reveal sustained focus on brachycephalic welfare, pandemic puppy acquisition patterns, canine epilepsy mechanisms, and designer crossbreed health outcomes, demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based improvements in companion animal welfare through multiple research methodologies and stakeholder engagement.
Her scientific achievements include:
- UFAW Young Animal Welfare Scientist of the Year award (2016)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2021)
- Co-editor of 'Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic Companion Animals' (2021)
Dr. Packer actively mentors students across multiple levels while securing approximately £2.1 million in research funding (over £1 million as Principal Investigator) from diverse sources including BBSRC, UFAW, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, and RSPCA. She co-leads RVC's Brachycephalic Research Team and is a founding member of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group, while also directing the canine epilepsy research team that developed the Pet Epilepsy Tracker application.
Her research groups address critical welfare issues through projects including 'Pandemic Puppies,' 'Designer Dogs,' brachycephalic health assessments, and canine epilepsy management innovations, collaborating with international partners to translate findings into practical welfare improvements for companion animals.
