Understanding animal cognition to inform their ability to adapt and survive.
Sophie's PhD focusses on the challenge of turning animals’ minds into tools for their survival. By exploring how red-billed choughs learn, solve problems, and adapt, this project will ask how cognition and behaviour can shape success in conservation.
Reintroductions of animals to the wild often fail because released animals are unprepared for the complexities of life outside of human care; Sophie's PhD uses evidence from cognitive and behavioural science to close that gap. The project not only advances understanding of a charismatic corvid but also pioneers a model for improving reintroduction success linking the science of animal minds directly to the future of biodiversity.
2025-present: PhD Student, ZSL Institute of Zoology and University of Exeter
2020-2021: Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training, Reaseheath college
2011-2012: MSc Zoo Conservation Biology, University of Plymouth
2010-2011: BSc Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology, University of Salford
2008-2010: FdSc Zoo Management, University of Chester
Miller, R., Boeckle, M., Ridgway, S., Richardson, J., Uhl, F., Bugnyar, T., & Schwab, C. (2025). Social attention across development in common ravens and carrion/hooded crows. Animal Behaviour, 220, 123038 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2024.11.016