A Volunteer’s Path to Researching Human-Animal-Nature Connection. In August, koala rehabilitation volunteer, Roxanne, was confirmed to undertake a Master of Science (Research) at La Trobe University with its Anthrozoology Research Group. Integrating positive psychology and human-wildlife relationships, her thesis will investigate the potential personal, health, educational and professional benefits of connecting with nature and its animals for people with disabilities. In addition to the inspiration from her experiences at Friends of the Koala, she will integrate her earlier educational and work experiences in environmental science and zoology, as well as living with the neurological conditions, Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia (spinal cord cysts).
Roxanne joined Friends of the Koala in January 2022 after being hospitalised for sepsis and resigning as a Landcare project officer a few months earlier. Left distraught from these experiences, she wanted to find a sense of joy, connection and meaning again. She remembered Friends of the Koala from when she studied at Southern Cross University, applied in November 2021 and started the following year.
Within her first month, Roxanne felt such an improvement in her mental health that she thought of a different approach to working in environmental science and wildlife conservation: promoting the benefits of animal and nature connection for people. In connection to what would become her thesis topic, Roxanne would not have done what she has if these had not brought meaning, engagement, accomplishment, social connection, and positive emotions to her life.
A Google search on the mental health benefits of animals eventually led to the discovery of the Anthrozoology Research Group at La Trobe. Its members study a broad range of topics, from psychology and social science to animal behaviour, zoology, veterinary science and animal assisted services for physical and mental health conditions. Roxanne’s application to study part-time was accepted and after eighteen months working on her thesis proposal, she can start her research. One of her proposed studies is a qualitative analysis of her personal and professional connections with nature and wildlife, including her time at Friends of the Koala.
Through her research and collaboration with peers, Roxanne looks forward to exploring the research and application of environmental psychology, nature and social prescribing, animal assisted services, environmental determinants of health, citizen science, promoting the wellbeing of professional and volunteer wildlife workers, and more.
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