The Institute for Human-Animal Connection

Last week, Executive Director Dr. Kevin Morris and Director of Equine Programs Nina Ekholm Fry attended the 2026 GlobalMindED Conference ! They spoke on two panels and shared the Institute for Human-Animal Connection’s research with military veterans, service dogs, and horses.

Thank you for having us!

That’s officially a wrap on another incredible academic year. Congratulations to all our students that just graduated at University of Denver: Graduate School of Social Work!

Pictured is Sarah Szuchman, one of IHAC’s wonderful graduate research assistants & IHACPro Animals and Human Health certificate graduate. Congratulations! 🎉 Happy graduation weekend to all.

Last week, Dr. Kevin Morris gave a talk on "The Science of Connection: How Our Relationships with Animals Shape Health and Well Being" in Telluride, Colorado at the Telluride Science & Innovation Center. The talk covered many of the topics within our Human-Animal Interactions & Mental Health research portfolio.

We loved having the opportunity to connect with the attendees and share some of the work we are doing at IHAC. Thank you for having us and asking such great questions during the Q&A portion of the presentation.

To learn more about the Institute for Human-Animal Connection's various research projects, visit our website: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/research-human-animal-environment-relationships

This week, we are spotlighting Research Associate Jaci Gandenberger! Jaci has been with IHAC for almost ten years; first as a student, then a Research Fellow, and now as a Research Associate leading a project in IHAC’s portfolio.

⬇️ Check out the post for some insight into her last 9 years with the Institute for Human-Animal Connection and her goals for the future.

Jaci's first publication with IHAC, titled " Measuring the psychological impacts of prison-based dog training programs and in-prison outcomes for inmates," can be found here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0032885519894657

Last night, The Institute for Human-Animal Connection hosted our annual research symposium where we highlight our students and give them an opportunity to present on the work they’ve been doing within our research portfolio. We always look forward to this end-of-year tradition.

We also presented two students with awards for exceptional commitment to human-animal interactions and excellence in research — congratulations Alexis for receiving the Excellence in Research award and Sarah for receiving the PJ Hart Loving Bond award!

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is honored to announce that we have five, $2,000 scholarships available for 2026’s Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program thanks to the Jeff Fink Go Fetch Memorial Scholarship in remembrance of Jeff Fink. This scholarship fund was established in his memory as a testament to Jeff’s bond with his service animal, Earl, and his many contributions to this important area of work. 🐾

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, see important details below:

📚 To be eligible, applicants must have already applied and been accepted into the Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program
🐕 Applicants with self-identified financial need and a commitment to the ethical inclusion of dogs in a clinical mental health field will be given priority
🗓 Applications for the scholarship are due by end-of-day on June 23, 2026

Learn more and apply: https://udenver.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Cw3iokO5tSZpcO

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection is celebrating 20 years! This week we are highlighting Sarah Bexell, one of IHAC's brilliant affiliated faculty.

Sarah has had a wonderful history with IHAC that we hope continues for many more years; see the post for some insight into her time with us. 🌿

Thank you for joining us yesterday at our spring quarter research seminar! It was a fantastic event to close out this academic year with. 🐾

Shoutout to our amazing guest speakers from Seattle Veterinary Outreach, The Inner Pup, PetSmart Charities, and our sponsor CBR YouthConnect. Stay tuned to our social media accounts for announcements about fall quarter’s research seminar!

The Institute for Human-Animal Connection's Canine-Assisted Intervention Specialist certificate program has a brand new curriculum launching this year!

📚 Greater emphasis on clinical interactions
📚 Deep dives into specific case examples
📚 Practical field work assignments
📚 New cutting-edge sources

Join us this August in our flexible, online program designed for human service professionals ready to ethically incorporate dogs into their practice with skill and confidence. Learn more and apply now: https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection/education-certificates/canine-assisted-intervention-specialist-certificate

Keep your eyes peeled for a scholarship announcement coming in the first week of June, open to students that have applied and been accepted into the CAIS program!