- A426, Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
- +44 1752 584477
- katherine.herborn@plymouth.ac.uk

Profiles
Dr Katherine Herborn
Lecturer in Physiology and Behaviour
School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering)
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
I predominantly teach in the areas of animal physiology, behaviour and welfare.
I am programme lead for MSc Zoo Conservation Biology https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc-zoo-conservation-biology
I am module lead for:
- BIOL133 - Principles of Physiology (Year 1 Biological Sciences/Animal Behaviour & Welfare/Conservation Biology)
- ANIM5006 - Contemporary Zoo Management (MSc ZCB)
- ANIM5008 - Conservation, Ecology & Society (MSc ZCB)
- ANIM5009 - Zoo Animal Health, Nutrition & Management (MSc ZCB)
Research
Research
Research interests
I am a behavioural ecologist/applied ethologist interested in developing methods to score behaviour, stress and emotional state in animals. In chickens, I use thermal imaging, acoustic monitoring and video analysis as non-invasive, animal-centred tools for assessing welfare. In wild birds, I apply the same techniques to instead explore life history trade-offs between individuals with different behavioural/thermal strategies.
Other research
In collaboration with Drs Jon Einar Jonsson (University of Iceland), Ruedi Nager (University of Glasgow), Dominic McCafferty (University of Glasgow), Andreas Nord (Lund University) and Alan Millard (University of Plymouth), I am currently exploring trade-offs between acute stress and incubation in Icelandic Eider ducks.
With Dr Lucy Asher (PI) at the University of Newcastle, I am collaborating with Dr Dan Franks (University of York), Lakes Free Range and FAI farms in a project investigating laying hen flock behaviour.
I am working with Dr Kathryn Arnold's research group (University of York) to explore the effects of antidepressant exposure from sewage treatment plants on Starling behaviour and physiology.
Publications
Publications
Key publications
Key publications are highlighted
JournalsPersonal
Personal
Other academic activities
Associate editor for Proceedings B.
Guest editor for Journal of Thermal Biology special issue: "Advances in thermal imaging" (https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-thermal-biology/call-for-papers/advances-in-thermal-imaging-research-applications )