Major Taylor Opel, veterinarian in the United States Army, will present “Healing Wounds—How Animals Can Help Our Soldiers” at the next UT Science Forum Friday, October 12.
The use of therapy animals has gained in popularity in civilian facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. The military is beginning to see the benefit of these programs for use in soldier physical and mental rehabilitation. Opel studied the human-animal bond while at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville completing her Master of Public Health degree and is using this knowledge to make changes to military policy and culture and to develop and implement therapy-animal programs in military facilities.
The UT Science Forum takes place Friday, October 12 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thompson-Boling Arena Cafe (located at 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way), Room A.
Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase it from the arena. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A. The event is free and open to the public.
We have temporary parking passes available for our guests who do not have UT parking passes. An RSVP is required for the pass. To request a pass, please email Amanda Womac. If you would like to receive a permit by US mail in advance of the meeting, please send an email before 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 9 and include your mailing address.