The key members of the team are:

Dr Rachel Casey

Rachel leads the Generation Pup project. She is a veterinary surgeon, European specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine and welfare scientist. Rachel has particular research interests in identifying early life risk factors for undesired or ‘problem’ behaviours in companion animals so that these can be prevented, veterinary epidemiology and identifying the best ways to measure and improve the welfare of dogs.

Dr Jane Murray

Jane has vast experience in analysing risk factors for disease and behaviour problems in companion animals. She set up and led the feline sister project of Generation Pup called ‘Bristol Cats’ which follows kittens through life – her experience is invaluable in ensuring that we ask, and answer, all the right questions so that this project is as successful as it can possibly be!

Professor Séverine Tasker

Séverine is a veterinary surgeon, European specialist in internal medicine and researcher in infectious diseases. Séverine is most known for her work with cats, but has crossed species to help lend her expertise to Generation Pup. Her role is to help co-ordinate the input from a range of veterinary specialists to make sure that we collect the right information to investigate the occurrence of disease in the ‘Generation Pup’ puppies.

Dr Jana Muschinski

Jana holds a PhD in Anthropology, with previous research in a wide range of fields including animal welfare, animal behaviour, and zooarchaeology. She also has experience working with dogs in a rehoming centre setting. Jana is the Generation Pup Research Manager, coordinating day-to-day research activities of the team and working to streamline processes. She has a particular interest in research on training, behaviour modification, and behavioural welfare.

Dr Rachel Kinsman

Rachel holds a PhD in Veterinary Science, MSc by Research in Veterinary Epidemiology and a BSc (Hons) in Biology. She has a particular interest in how pet owners’ behaviour, attitudes, and knowledge may affect animal welfare. As a Research Officer, Rachel delivers research projects related to the health, behaviour and welfare of the dogs on the study.

Dr Mel Weedon

Mel holds a PhD and MSc in Evolutionary Ecology. As a Research Officer, she uses her research expertise and skills in statistically analysing large longitudinal datasets to help complete research projects with the Generation Pup team.

Dr Sarah McDonald

Sarah holds an MPhys and PhD in Astrophysics. She will use her skills in data science, data analysis and statistics to support the Generation Pup team.

Chris Newton

Chris holds a BSc in Geography and Environmental Management, an MSc in Geographical Information Science and an MSc in Data Analytics and Society. He supports the Generation Pup team with coding for data processing and analysis.

Dr Ben Cooper

Ben is a data scientist with an academic background in animal behavioural individuality. He assists the team with coding support, statistical analysis and data visualisation.

Dr Eleanor Jordan

Elle is a research and data scientist with a PhD in Psychology. She manages a team of data professionals who support Generation Pup with all things data related including database management, coding, analysis, and visualisation.

Dr Kirsten McMillan

Kirsten is a research professional and data scientist, with a PhD in wildlife epidemiology. She manages a technical unit of data professionals within the Dogs Trust Research team. Along with Sarah, Chris and Ben, she assists Generation Pup with coding, statistical and data visualisation support.