Katrina Merkies holds an honours BSc (Agr.) in Animal Science and a PhD in Reproductive Physiology, both from the University of Guelph. She was a faculty member at Lake Erie College in Ohio for four years, but returned to Canada in 2006 to develop and implement the first equine Bachelor's degree in Canada (BBRM Equine Management) at the University of Guelph. She is faculty advisor for the programme and teaches a variety of courses including Equine Event Management, Equine Reproduction and the Equine capstone course. Her research programme focuses on the equitation science and equine behaviour and welfare. She is a Level II dressage coach in Canada and has trained and competed up to FEI levels in dressage, earning the title of Canadian Champion in 1999. She also trains dogs and competes her Australian Shepherd, Kurt, in Treibball, Obedience and Rally-O.