'Teen Science Café: Companion Animals' at the Museum of Nature and Science

Teens ages 11 to 17 are invited to "Teen Science Café: Companion Animals" at the Museum of Nature & Science, 411 N. Main St., at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27. Dinner is included, and admission is free.

Middle and high school students will meet Gaylene Fasenko, Ph.D., Director of the Human-Animal Interaction Program at New Mexico State University. Participants will learn about dog and cat behavior, and how assistance animals are trained.

Participants will interact with a trained assistance animal and be able to ask questions about animal behavior and training.

Dr. Fasenko studies the characteristics and stereotypes that influence people's choices in selecting a dog as a companion animal. She also studies the physiological effects of the bond between people and their companion animals. Dr. Fasenko and her trained assistance animals also participate in Therapaws, a local animal therapy group.

Teen Science Café is a free, fun way for teens to explore the advances in science and technology and meet with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math professionals to learn about career options for their future. Teens participate in discussion and hands-on activities for deeper exploration of topics they choose.

The Museum of Nature & Science is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1, Stop 1. Visit the Museum System website at: https://www.las-cruces.org/museumsor follow the Las Cruces Museums on Facebook and Instagram @LCMuseums.

For information, contact Stephanie Hawkins, Education Curator, at 575/532-3372, or by email at [email protected].