Lead Researcher

Dr. Maggie O’Haire is an internationally recognized Fulbright Scholar who is currently the Associated Dean for Research and a Professor of Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Arizona. She earned her BA in Psychology from Vassar College in New York and her PhD in Psychology from The University of Queensland in Australia. Her research program focuses on the unique and pervasive ways that humans interact with animals. From research with household pets to highly trained service animals, her findings have been instrumental in evaluating the effects of human-animal interactions.

Lead Research Assistant

Elizabeth joined the OHAIRE lab in May of 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Science from the University of Arizona in Clinical Research. Elizabeth is a service member herself and spent 4 years enlisted as a Behavioral Health Specialist (68X) in the Army. She recently earned her commission as a Medical Services Officer, and is excited to serve our country in a new capacity. Elizabeth is one of your first lines of contact for all things SERVE Study! She is responsible for ensuring study components go as planned and assisting you with the various study activities.

Clinical Research Coordinator

Jocie earned her BS in Physiology at the University of Arizona and discovered her passion for research while doing her honors thesis on animal-assisted interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prior to joining the OHAIRE Lab in April of 2024, she worked in the Department of Pediatrics for 6+ years conducting clinical trials that focused on potential new treatments for symptoms associated with ASD. Jocie is also one of your main points of contact for all things SERVES! In her free time, Jocie loves reading, doing home projects, and spending time with her husband, family, friends, and 3 dogs.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Dr. Stephanie Bristol earned her BA in Exercise and Sport Science and Spanish at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before obtaining her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina. She worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for several years before returning to UNC Chapel Hill to complete her PhD. Before joining the OHAIRE lab, Stephanie’s research focused on human-canine interaction with a special interest in autism service dogs.

Research Scientist

Dr. Clare Jensen joined the OHAIRE lab in January of 2018. She graduated from Purdue University in 2023 with a Ph.D. in Human-Animal Interaction. Her research focuses on the effects and characteristics of professional dogs working in children’s hospitals and as service dogs for veterans with PTSD. In her free time, Clare loves making art, building things, and going camping with her labradoodle, Luke.

Doctoral Research Associate

Dr. Sarah Leighton has been with the OHAIRE Lab since 2021, and worked for Canine Companions from 2010-2021. She earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2025. She’s a certified Service Dog Instructor and has experience training and placing service dogs with veterans with PTSD. Outside of work Sarah loves rock climbing, travel, and spending time with her husband Adam. She volunteers for Canine Companions as an instructor for the prison puppy raising probram at the federal prison in Tucson, and as a puppy raiser for future service dog Rohan.