Drs. Emily Bray and Evan MacLean to Explore the Science of Dog-Human Communication in College of Science Lecture Series
The College of Science is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a focus on the science of communication.
The College of Science is celebrating its 20th year of captivating lecture series by highlighting the essential science of communication. The series, titled Can We Talk: The Science of Communication, will feature Dr. Emily Bray and Dr. Evan MacLean as keynote speakers, delivering an HAI-focused talk titled Sit, Stay, Speak: Unleashing the Science of Dog-Human Communication.
The keynote lecture is on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in Centennial Hall, followed by three more top-tier lectures throughout March. The events will be recorded and live streamed on YouTube, ensuring access for those unable to attend in person.
Can We Communicate With Dogs?
For thousands of years, dogs have lived alongside humans, transitioning from hunting partners to cherished companions. But what makes dogs so adept at thriving in a human-centric world? How do humans and dogs seemingly bridge the species divide to communicate so effectively? Dr. Bray and Dr. MacLean will delve into these questions and more, presenting cutting-edge research and insights into the unique bond between humans and dogs.
Additionally, we'll have a chance to explore what dogs truly understand about human communication and examine whether dogs have evolved extraordinary abilities to navigate this domain. They will also consider how humans perceive and interpret the communicative world of dogs, shedding light on how a deeper scientific understanding of canine behavior and cognition can enhance the relationship between humans and their four-legged friends.
Dr. Bray and Dr. MacLean are renowned experts in the field of animal behavior and cognition, bringing years of research and expertise to this engaging discussion. Their work not only uncovers the intricacies of dog-human interaction but also paves the way for enriched relationships and practical applications in fields such as training, therapy, and animal welfare.
Join us for this extraordinary evening as we celebrate the science of communication and the enduring bond between humans and dogs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by two leading voices in the field.
Can We Talk? The Science of Communication | 2025 Lecture Series
Join us for the 20th annual College of Science Lecture Series at Centennial Hall!
This four-part series will run throughout the month of March as we explore various aspects of communication — from dog-human communication, to bilingual communication, to A.I. and computer communication, and what extraterrestrial communication from the cosmos might look like. Scroll down to learn more about our four fascinating lectures.
- All lectures are free and open to the public.
- Doors open at Centennial Hall at 6:15 p.m.
- The lecture presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.
- The lectures will be livestreamed and recorded on YouTube.
We look forward to seeing you at opening night on Thursday, March 6, 2025!