Bringing light
Cogetho is a word made of my main interests: Cognition (the mental skills living beings develop to navigate and understand the world) and Ethology (the science of animal behaviour). It also sounds like Cogito, which means “I think” in latin. So let’s think together and bring light in this world !
Who am I ?
Océane Schmitt – Scientist and Creator
I am passionate about animal behaviour and human-animal interactions. My biggest dream is to be able to understand animals and communicate with them.
I started my profesional journey as an agronomist and then specialised in livestock animal welfare and behaviour. In 2019, I became a philosophy doctor (PhD) in biology after 3 years of investigating different strategies to keep piglets alive in large litters. I worked and lived in six countries, thereby gaining a lot of insight on the different approaches to study and interpret animal behaviour.
My various research interests led me to work on diverse topics such as management strategies of large litters to optimise piglet survival, depression-like behavioural indicators in lab mice, human-animal relationship and pig emotional state, positive human-pig interactions, how do goats communicate with humans… and that’s just the beginning !
I also like to create, do something with my hands so my mind can wander. This website is my way to express both sides of my person: the scientist and the creator.
Improving animals’ lives
Ethical Viewpoint
Captive animals are under the care of the humans who decided to live or work with them. Therefore, choosing to integrate them into our lives implies that we sign a “moral contract” in which our duty is to care for them to the best of our abilities. This is true for all captive animals, whether pets, livestock, lab or zoo animals.
Education
My education initiatives are dedicated to improving animal welfare by sharing knowledge and practical strategies that empower individuals to create meaningful connections with animals in their lives. I deliver lectures at the universities in which I work, but also to the general public upon invitation.
Research and consulting
My research projects focus on animal behaviour and cognition, aiming to improve practices in animal care and to foster more positive interactions between humans and animals. I provide consulting services upon request.