Gracias! Merci! Grazie!

After three weeks in three different countries, our time in Europe is complete. We wanted to thank all of those involved to make this trip possible! To our wonderful hosts in Spain: Xavier Manteca and his welfare team at The Autonomous University of Barcelona and Vet School IRTA (research and technology, food and agriculture) CAAD Marisme Animal …

Think Like A Horse: Understanding the inner workings of a horse’s mind

Bonjour! We hopped in our minivan to venture back to IRSEA today for more exciting lectures on pheromones and animal welfare! On arrival we were greeted again with the usual giggle about the Americans arriving and an offer of "Coffee? Tea? Juice?" (a phrase we began to joke about given how often you are offered …

Stem cell studies and a visit to MIRA Europe

This morning we learned about the Cellular Processes and Sustainable Interactions Department. Pietro Asproni heads the department and it was interesting to hear his background of being a veterinarian and having a PhD in Veterinary Pathoglogy. His background provides a unique angle to the research being performed in an area such as behavior. His department …

Problem-Solving with Semiochemicals

Happy 4th of July from France! Today was our second day at IRSEA and was jam-packed with information. The first half of the day we met with several researchers and technicians who described the projects they have worked on or are currently working on. At IRSEA they work with semiochemicals, which are chemicals produced by …

First day in France at IRSEA

Bienvenue de France! After arriving last night from Barcelona we settled into our new place in Apt, France before heading to orientation this afternoon for our first day at IRSEA! Since this is my first time in France I am loving all of the beautiful vineyards and fields of lavender that we saw on our …