Carrie Hammer, NDSU Extension Service equine specialist, has been named to the Scientific Advisory Council for the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. 

The 26-member council is a group of leading researchers and experts from equine-assisted activities and related fields. The members respond and contribute to a variety of foundation research-related needs. That includes advising and assisting the staff and board in scientific strategy decisions, educational outreach and grant applications and assessment.

Hammer also is an associate professor and director of the equine science program in NDSU's animal sciences department. Her research focuses on improving equine health and equine-guided education. She is certified in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association model as an equine specialist.

"Dr. Hammer's expertise will be a valuable addition to the advisory council," said Greg Lardy, head of the NDSU animal sciences department. "Her breadth of experience in the equine industry will make her a trusted adviser for the group."

Hammer earned bachelor's and master's degrees, a doctorate and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Iowa State University.

"Having experienced the positive ways in which horses can interact with humans, I am excited to work with the foundation to support quality scientific research and increase the dissemination of information regarding the numerous benefits of equine-assisted activities/therapies," Hammer says.

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