Memi Pearsall, PhD

Biography

Advisor: Freya Mowat

Keywords: Canine psychology, object tracking, visual acuity

Education
BS, 2019, Biology, Hames Madison University
PhD, 2023, Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

Research Interests
Memi’s research focuses on comparative ophthalmology with a particular interest in the intersection of vision and behavior in companion animals. As part of a master’s project, Memi is examining canine visual behavior by quantifying facial expressions during interactions with screen-based stimuli. She hope to expand this work to investigate how factors like color, motion, and object realism influence visual engagement, providing insights into both perceptual mechanisms and applied welfare/vision considerations.

Upon completion of her master’s research, Memi plans to complete a three year clinical residency training in comparative ophthalmology. She intends to expand this line of inquiry by integrating behavioral methodologies with clinical and physiological assessments of vision. The long-term goal of this work is to advance understanding of species-specific visual processing and to translate this knowledge into improved diagnostic, therapeutic, and welfare practices in veterinary ophthalmology.