Social Work RISE HAI Lab Research for Inclusion, Social Justice, and Equity in Human-Animal Interaction

RISE HAI is dedicated to advancing research at the intersection of human-animal interaction (HAI), social justice, and public health. Grounded in the values of equity, inclusion, and ethical research, we critically examine how social and structural factors shape human-animal relationships and their impact on well-being.

Our work is committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of communities historically excluded from HAI science and, whenever possible, engaging these communities as collaborators in the research process. We recognize that knowledge production is not neutral and strive to conduct research that informs policies, practices, and advocacy efforts for social change. Through mentorship and training, we are also committed to developing the next generation of scholar-activists who will continue challenging inequities at the human-animal-environment interface.