Healing Connections Between Humans and Animals... Silla University Department of Companion Animal Studies to Host 'Animal Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy' Seminar

The Department of Companion Animal Studies at Silla University (President: Heo Namsik) will host a special seminar titled "A New Discipline Connecting Animals and Humans: The Beginning of Animal Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy."

This seminar commemorates the establishment of the "Animal Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy Major" within the expanded Department of Companion Animal Studies, set to launch in the 2026 academic year. Silla University has invited two leading experts in the field of animal-assisted therapy in Korea-Professor Han Jinsu and Professor Sim Hyemi of Konkuk University-to speak on the theme "A New Discipline Connecting Animals and Humans: The Beginning of Animal Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy." The seminar will take place at 6:00 p.m. on November 20 in Room 516 of the Biomedical Science Building at Silla University.

This event goes beyond a simple academic lecture, providing students with opportunities to explore career paths in animal protection, welfare, behavior therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. It also serves as a venue for networking and exchange with graduate researchers and field experts.

The first topic, "Understanding Animal-Assisted Therapy: History and Future Vision," will be presented by Professor Han Jinsu of Konkuk University.

Professor Han Jinsu is recognized as a pioneer who established the academic framework for animal-assisted therapy in Korea. He currently serves as the President of the Korean Human-Animal Interaction Association (KHAI), is a former Chairperson of the Seoul Metropolitan Animal Welfare Committee, and was the recipient of the 2024 Animal Welfare Award.

The second topic, "Animal-Assisted Therapy in Practice: Clinical Applications and Case-Based Approaches," will be delivered by Professor Sim Hyemi, the first doctoral graduate in animal-assisted therapy from Konkuk University.

Professor Sim Hyemi is a faculty member at the Department of Bio-Healing Convergence at Konkuk University and is also the head of HealPet Center, a specialized institution for care and education promoting healthy lifestyles with companion animals. She is known for her expertise in field-based therapy and education.

This seminar will offer a valuable opportunity for academic convergence not only to students of the Department of Companion Animal Studies, but also to those from the College of Education, Department of Social Welfare, Department of Counseling and Therapy Welfare, and Department of Social Welfare Counseling, as these fields are closely related to animal-assisted therapy. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for exploring new collaborative models in welfare, healing, and counseling that mediate the relationship between animals and humans.

The seminar is open to all Silla University students and anyone interested in animal behavior and animal-assisted therapy. For more information, please contact the Silla University Animal-Assisted Support Center.

'New Discipline Connecting Animals and Humans, The Beginning of Animal Behavior and Animal-Assisted Therapy' Seminar Poster.

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