Gail Melson

Gail F. Melson, Ph.D is Professor Emerita in the Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Purdue University.  Dr. Melson is a noted authority on children’s development and relationships and a leader in the field of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI).   Dr. Melson's research focuses on children’s relationships with animals, nature, and emerging technologies.  In addition, Dr. Melson has published widely on parent-child and family relationships throughout the lifespan.  Dr. Melson lectures frequently and consults on animal-based enrichments and interventions for children, both typically developing and at risk.  She has been a visiting professor at Radcliffe College, Tufts University, and Hebrew University. Also, Dr. Melson has delivered keynote or plenary addresses at conferences throughout the United States, as well as in Japan, Israel, Spain, and Switzerland.  Areas of teaching expertise on both the undergraduate and graduate levels: child development; human-animal interactions; lifespan development; research design; social and public policy related to children and families.