Dr Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas

About

I specialise in the design and application of computer technology, with a focus on the interface between animals, computers and people. I design technologies that enable animals to interact with computers in new ways, allowing them to manage their environment (such as audio, visual, and olfactory surroundings) and social connections (like video calling other animals and people) on their own terms. These computers are designed in an animal-centred manner, focusing on the needs of animals in computer systems, often as part of a dynamic human-animal environment. I then use these technologies to examine how this impacts animals' behaviour, and make inferences about their cognition and how we can best support their lives.