Overview
Background
I graduated from The University of Queensland Gatton Campus in 1994, taking my first position within the School of Veterinary Science in October 1994. I am an experienced Veterinary Technical Officer, qualified Veterinary Nurse and Workplace Trainer and Assessor. I have a strong background in animal husbandry and welfare, behaviour, applied animal ethics, and sustainable wellbeing with more than 30 years’ experience in varied animal and veterinary research paradigms.
Following 18 years as Manager of the Clinical Studies Centre (CSC) within the School of Veterinary Science, I moved into a Level A academic position and was appointed Academic Program Coordinator for the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology degree at UQ (2013 - 2019). Concurrently, I held the position of Director of the CSC from 2013 – 2018. I teach primarily into the BVetTech and BVSc programs but also contribute to several other animal-related programs at the UQ Gatton Campus.
My passion for teaching, and commitment to instil a desire in all students to embrace life-long learning underpins my teaching and mentoring philosophy.
I gained my PhD in 2017 and have expanded my areas of speciality research to include the psychology of human – animal relationships, animal behaviour and animal-related occupational trauma and healing. I am a Compassion Fatigue Specialist Therapist, and recieved my Graduate Diploma in Psychological Sciences in 2022. Having lived experience of occupational trauma and compassion fatigue, I present extensively in these subject areas as well as in psychological wellbeing and emotional intelligence. Further to presentations, I also provide interactive, thought-provoking seminars and workshops within all sectors of animal-related industries and occupations.
Availability
- Dr Rebekah Scotney is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Studies, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology, Deakin University
Research interests
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Mental Health Ergonomics
Occupational Stress, Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Emotional Intelligence, Sustainable Wellbeing
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Human-Animal Bond
The psychology of human – animal interactions
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Animal Welfare and Behaviour
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Veterinary Social Psychology
Research impacts
My pioneering research broke new ground in understanding occupational stress and compassion fatigue within animal-related professions, such as veterinary and animal science, biomedical research, animal welfare, and conservation in Australia. Specifically, my work was the first of its kind published in Australia and has forged a path for countless research and publication since. My research explores the complex interplay between occupational stress, compassion fatigue, and sustainable wellbeing in animal-related professions and extends into the psychology of human-animal connectedness.
Further, my work in exploring the psychological and ethical challenges inherent in human–animal interactions uses the OneWelfare Framework to stretch the contribution of my work beyond academia and animal-related occupations; - it has paved the way for the addition of sustainable wellbeing and self-care into veterinary and vocational education in Australia - it positively impacts the economy by helping to reduce psychosocial risks within the workplace and broader community - it influences policy relating to environmental impacts and societal culture around cat management practices
By integrating psychological, organisational, and ethical dimensions, my work identifies the unique emotional burdens faced by people who work with and interact with animals. Through interdisciplinary methodologies, I have developed evidence-based strategies and frameworks that support resilience, reduce burnout, and promote long-term wellbeing among professionals in high-empathy, high-demand animal facing roles.
Works
Search Professor Rebekah Scotney’s works on UQ eSpace
2015
Journal Article
A systematic review of the effects of euthanasia and occupational stress in personnel working with animals in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and biomedical research facilities
Scotney, Rebekah L., McLaughlin, Deirdre and Keates, Helen L. (2015). A systematic review of the effects of euthanasia and occupational stress in personnel working with animals in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and biomedical research facilities. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 247 (10), 1121-1130. doi: 10.2460/javma.247.10.1121
2010
Journal Article
Environmental enrichment in veterinary practice
Scotney, Rebekah L. (2010). Environmental enrichment in veterinary practice. The Veterinary Nurse, 1 (3), 140-149. doi: 10.12968/vetn.2010.1.3.140
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Rebekah Scotney is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the use of employee voice and leader responsiveness in Australian veterinary clinics
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
An exploration of adult survivors of childhood experiences of trauma: A retrospective study of the impact of companion animals.
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Exploring the impacts on animal and human welfare and wellbeing in the Queensland Racehorse Industry: a OneWelfare approach
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Exploring the impacts on animal and human welfare and wellbeing in the Queensland Racehorse Industry: a OneWelfare approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Comprehensive use of whole body computed tomography,microbiome and metabolomics analysis to measure the effects ofdietary and exercise interventions on body fat content in dogs a stepforward in the understanding of obesity and overweight in dogs
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Deirdre Mikkelsen, Professor Joerg Henning, Dr Erika Meler, Dr Justine Gibson
Media
Enquiries
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