Dr. Shelby E. McDonald (she/they) is an internationally recognized scholar whose interdisciplinary research focuses on human-animal interaction (HAI), trauma, and health equity. She holds the Sarama Bliss Endowed Chair in Human-Animal Interaction and is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Dr. McDonald directs the RISE HAI Lab (Research for Inclusion, Social Justice, and Equity in Human-Animal Interaction), which leads equity-driven, community-engaged research on the social, structural, and ecological conditions that shape multispecies well-being.
Dr. McDonald’s work examines the human-animal bond as a critical factor influencing health and social outcomes, offering both protective benefits and posing unique challenges, particularly for historically marginalized communities. She has led and collaborated on numerous studies investigating the role of companion animals in mental health, substance use, violence prevention, and access to housing and healthcare. Her research has been supported by organizations including the NIH, HABRI, and the ASPCA.
In addition to her scholarly contributions, Dr. McDonald has engaged in formal policy training through the Virginia Commonwealth University Translational Research Fellows Program and has served on community coalitions focused on policy building at the intersection of violence toward humans and animals. She has presented her work at congressional briefings to inform federal policy related to trauma, mental health, and human-animal relationships. Her research and advocacy aim to support inclusive, evidence-based policymaking that advances health, safety, and justice across species.
Sohaila Jafarian, MPH, DVM
How to pronounce my name.
Ph.D. student
A veterinarian, advocate, researcher, and powerful voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in animal welfare, Sohaila (she/her) brings a wealth of experience and a fierce commitment to transforming veterinary medicine. From veterinary medicine and qualitative research to national DEIJ leadership, her work reflects a rare blend of clinical insight, scholarly rigor, and social justice activism—grounded in the belief that preserving the human-animal bond requires addressing the systemic inequities that impact both people and their pets.
At RISE HAI, Sohaila will focus on advancing veterinary social work and exploring the human-animal bond through interdisciplinary, community-engaged research. Her work challenges the status quo, asks the hard questions, and centers the voices of those often excluded from systems of care, both human and animal.
Gehena Girish
MSW/MPH Student
Gehena Girish (she/her) is a current dual master’s student at Colorado State University in Public Health and Social Work. She is concurrently enrolled in the School of Social Work at CSU and the Colorado School of Public Health. Gehena is originally from Northern California and has her bachelor’s degree in global disease biology. Her education and professional experience are guided by the mission of meeting people where they are and a commitment to community-based and decolonized research and practice.
Gehena came to Fort Collins and CSU after spending two years working as a Community Health Worker in Sacramento County, where she supported unhoused community members with housing, healthcare, and community needs.
This intersection of public health and social work led Gehena to apply to the MSW/MPH program at CSU, as well as to the RISE HAI lab. She is interested in studying the human-animal bond and its intersection with affordable housing. Gehena’s academic interests include risk prevention, the social determinants of health, and the intersection of public health and social work in research and practice. In her spare time, Gehena enjoys reading, working out, saying hi to dogs on their walks, and rooting for the Sacramento Kings!
Meghan Scaggs
MSW Student
Meghan Scaggs (she/her) is a current Master of Social Work student at Colorado State University with dual bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to supporting marginalized populations, particularly survivors of interpersonal violence, immigrants, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Meghan’s academic and practical experience spans a wide array of areas, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care for individuals impacted by PTSD and other forms of violence. She cares deeply about liberation work and incorporates Intersectional Feminism, Marxist Feminism, and Decolonial Feminism in her praxis. Aside from unpacking whiteness and engaging in conversations about settler colonialism and white supremacy, Meghan loves to play board games, curate playlists, and watch Broadway shows in her free time.
Lydia Soto Rodriguez
MSW Student
Lydia Soto Rodriguez (she/her) is a current Master of Social Work student at Colorado State University. She has a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Spanish, also from CSU. Lydia’s background is in trauma-informed and clinical care, as well as working with the Latinx community and monolingual Spanish speakers. Lydia is passionate about working with diverse communities and learning about new and different perspectives.
Lydia’s experience is primarily rooted in trauma-informed care, clinical work, and crisis work. She has worked with the SAVA Center to help support victims of sexual violence, as well as at Summitstone Health Partners’ Crisis Urgent Care to support individuals with mental health and substance use needs throughout Larimer County. She has also conducted research on healthy aging for older adults in rural northern Colorado. All of these experiences have given her a unique perspective on working with various populations. Lydia values working with and learning from marginalized communities and incorporating intersectionality into her work.
Lydia is excited to be part of the RISE HAI Lab team and learn more about human-animal interaction within the scope of social work. She hopes to examine how animals can make a difference in the lives of different communities and how they can impact mental health outcomes. Outside of her work and studies at CSU, Lydia loves to read, crochet, hike, and make music.
Maya Armstrong (she/her) is a current Bachelor of Social Work student with a Spanish minor at Colorado State University. She joins the RISE HAI team after working with Dr. Shelby McDonald and Meghan Scaggs through an Honors Program opportunity. Maya is excited to learn more about social work research and has a newfound appreciation for it!
Maya is passionate about working with children and families. She has worked with CSU’s Campus Connections program to mentor local youth experiencing hardships and to serve as a resource for them. For Maya, social work means cultivating a sense of belonging for everyone and creating meaningful change in the world. Outside of CSU, you can find Maya with her family and friends, at concerts, volunteering, pet sitting, and playing guitar!
Amelia Malone (they/she) conducts research with the RISE HAI lab and serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator with Human-Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC) at Colorado State University. Amelia holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Colorado State University’s School of Social Work. In addition, Amelia has more than seven years of experience in human-animal interactions, community welfare, mental health, and research within healthcare settings, non-profits, and higher education.
Amelia’s research specializations include the human-animal bond, program evaluations, community-engaged research, health equity, harm reduction, social justice, criminal justice, and policy reform.
Amelia values inclusivity, equity, advocacy, effective communication, and solution-oriented approaches. They are dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and strengthening the relationship between humans and animals through research, volunteer and event coordination, and education. In their spare time, Amelia enjoys skiing, crafting, music, and spending time with their two cats, Pimms and Junie.
