Students and research staff

Research support staff

Interested in the world and its habitants from a young age, Mylène was naturally drawn to biology and the natural sciences. Her love of animals led her to specialize in animal biology, with a particular emphasis on behavioral science. She began her career as an ethologist working with monkeys and great apes, and then completed a PhD studying empathetic and social-helping behaviors of domestic dogs. The strong connection between dogs and people led her to work for many years in animal-assisted intervention organisations with various clients. Currently, she is a research coordinator in the laboratory on human-animal relations at UQAM, pursuing her research interests. Additionally, her Specialised Graduate Studies Diploma (DESS) in behavioral intervention with people on the autism spectrum allows her to conduct interventions that can involve the dog.

Noémi graduated from the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in the summer of 2023. During her final academic year, she conducted her honours thesis research under the supervision of Catherine Amiot. The study examined Canadians’ willingness to eat and try two types of meat alternatives: cultured meat, a novel technology that involves growing meat from animal stem cells in a laboratory setting, and plant-based meat alternatives. Noémi is currently focusing on the role of participants’ psychological connection with animals and their socio-demographic background in predicting their willingness to try meat alternatives. Since December 2022, she has been part of the Human–Animal Relations research lab, where she is currently working on the creation of technopedagogical capsules on human–animal relations.

Graduate and undergraduate students

Christophe obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from McGill University in 2021, where he completed an honors thesis on the role of behavioral synchrony in the link between emotion perception accuracy and the quality of interpersonal relationships. In September 2021, he joined the laboratory as a coordinator, supporting studies on human-animal relationships, which allowed him to combine his interest in interpersonal relationships with his love for animals. Since September 2023, he has been pursuing a PhD in Psychology (scientific-professional profile). His research focuses on the motivations that drive people to own pets and on the quality of the relationship between owners and their animals. To date, Christophe has presented his work at five conferences, including two in the United Kingdom. He has also written a science outreach article on pet-related well-being for The Conversation.

Laurence is a certified veterinary technician specialized in oncology. She holds a Master’s degree in Education (didactic) from UQAM, as well as a graduate microprogram diploma in neuroeducation. Over nearly 20 years in the veterinary field, she worked in referral centres, practicing in oncology and behavioural medicine, as well as at the Montreal Biodome, where she oversaw training, enrichment, and animal welfare programs. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational and Technical Education and has led a training department for a veterinary banner. She now works as a manager in a training and organizational development department. Her research interests include the innovative application of teaching methods drawn from the animal field to human training settings, as well as measuring the impact of learning initiatives in the workplace.

Noémie completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the Université de Montréal in 2023. She has been involved with various organizations and clienteles, notably working with youth and families in a youth protection center. Passionate about both animals and psychology, she has also gained experience in animal-assisted interventions. Since the spring of 2025, she has been working as a research assistant in the Human-Animal Relations Research Laboratory. Noémie is currently a doctoral student in Psychology (Psy.D., Professional Program). For her doctoral thesis, she is particularly interested in exploring potential moderators of the effects of mindfulness induced in the company of dogs on the psychological well-being of their owners.