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From Concept to Community: Establishing the Green Care Lab for Sustainable Research

Dr. Rebecca Calisi-Rodríguez

Director, Green Care Lab

Associate Professor

Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior

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@Green_Care_Lab, @BeccaCalisi

https://greencarelab.ucdavis.edu

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Research Background

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  • Stress Physiology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Animal Behavior

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“How do brains respond to stress?

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Tenure!

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A place of healing

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Training as a neurobiologist, stress physiologist & animal behaviorist

Study the science behind the therapeutic benefits of Green Care

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human health interventions that center around nature and animals, based on their inherent connection with human wellbeing. 

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Green Care Lab

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Creating Space for Research and Community

Mission:

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To foster a collaborative environment where researchers and community healthcare professionals join forces to understand, communicate & implement the benefits of Green Care, using research, education, and public engagement with a deep commitment to social justice.

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Ashley Aylin Contreras

Major: Ecology, Evolution. and Biodiversity

Zora Lou Hartley

Major: Sustainable Agricultural & Food Systems

Eden Hamming

Major: Managerial Economics

Elizabeth Shin

Major: Landscape Architecture​

Claire Short

Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Jessie Ostrove

Major: Environmental Science & Management

Nora Bahr

Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Dalia Carbajal Robles

Major: Landscape Architecture​

Amelia

Fletes

Major: Animal Science

goats

Undergraduate internships power the Green Care Lab

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Ashley Aylin Contreras

Major: Ecology, Evolution. and Biodiversity

Zora Lou Hartley

Major: Sustainable Agricultural & Food Systems

Eden Hamming

Major: Managerial Economics

Elizabeth Shin

Major: Landscape Architecture​

Claire Short

Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Jessie Ostrove

Major: Environmental Science & Management

Nora Bahr

Major: Wildlife, Fish & Conservation Biology

Dalia Carbajal Robles

Major: Landscape Architecture​

Amelia

Fletes

Major: Animal Science

goats

Undergraduate internships power the Green Care Lab

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Mental Health in Crisis: �The Strain on Families After Covid-19

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Equine Therapy

Increasingly recognized and studied for its therapeutic benefits.

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Jessie Ostrove

Major: Environmental Science & Management

Jessie Ostrove

Major: Environmental Science & Management

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Can Equine Interactions Foster Deeper Family Connections?

Jessie Ostrove

Major: Environmental Science & Management

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Can parent-offspring equine dyads benefit parent-child relationships?

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Control Group

Experimental Group

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Measuring Neural & Emotional Responses

  • Brain Activity
    • Portable consumer and research-grade electroencephalogram (EEG) headband
      • (Muse-S, by InteraXon)
      • Measured gamma, beta, alpha, theta via 7 sensors
        • validated by independent researchers (Bayhee et al., 2016; Kerr and Sacchet et al., 2013; Hashemi et al., 2016; Krisolson et al., 2017)
  • Psychological Surveys
    • Adapted from parent-child relationship and mental health surveys (Pianta, 1992; Beck et al., 1996)

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Child Psychological Assessment

Parent Psychological Assessment

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Brainwave Activity Differed

Experimental (Parent)

Control (Parent)

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Survey Results

  • As compared to control group, participants in the experimental group reported:

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  • Parents
  • 24% ⬆️ feelings of connectedness
  • 24% ⬆️ a greater therapeutic benefit
  • 62% ⬆️ increased feelings of mental health support

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  • Children
  • 50% ⬆️ desire to repeat activity with parent
  • 12% ⬆️ in feelings of calmness

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Comments Differed

Experimental group

  • parents referenced their child
    • “I felt connected to myself, my child, and my surroundings after grooming the animals.”
    • “I don’t often get fun times alone with my child without screens. This is lovely.”

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Control group

  • no reference to child by parent
    • “fun and engaging experience”

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Future Directions

  • Hone portable EEG/brain activity measuring method in the field
  • Increase competency re wave activity & statistical analyses
  • Consider novelty, animal(s), equine singles vs. dyads vs. related dyads
  • Consider generational bonds/relationships/cultural perspectives
  • Predict healthy relationship outcomes in relation to particular experiences

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Forging a sustainable, learning community

  • All members benefit

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  • Synergy advances the care farming movement for a brighter, healthier future.

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Collaborate with the Green Care Lab!

Leverage Our Resources

    • Access our unique space, facilities, and supportive environment to launch innovative research, therapeutic, and educational projects.

Let’s Grow Together!�Contact us to explore opportunities:�📧 Email: RMCalisi@ucdavis.edu�🌐 Website: greencarelab.ucdavis.edu

Many thanks to Red Wiggler Community Farm, Prospect Meadow Farm, Kate Mudge, Meghan Jahnke, and the Care Farming Network!