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Dr. Bradley Smith

BPsych(Hons), PhD
Senior Lecturer in Psychology
School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences
About Me

I am a Senior Lecturer in Psychology based at the Adelaide Campus, where I teach into the Bachelor of Psychological Science course (CC43), supervise fourth-year honours psychology projects (CC42), and mentor higher degree by research students.

I have dedicated my career to understanding the fascinating world of dingoes and their complex relationship with humans. My research explores the behavioural ecology and ethology of dingoes, human–wildlife conflict, and the development of practical, non-lethal approaches to carnivore management. I’m especially interested in solutions that are not only effective but also workable for farmers, conservationists, policymakers, and local communities. Alongside this, I work closely with Indigenous groups to support the integration of cultural knowledge systems into wildlife management, promoting respectful, collaborative, and sustainable conservation practices.

Beyond dingoes, my research spans the broader field of human–animal interactions, focusing on how we relate to domestic animals in everyday life — particularly dogs — and how these relationships reflect deeper questions around behaviour, emotion, and domestication. This includes work on co-sleeping with pets, the human–dog bond, and the role of animals in family and therapeutic settings. I also explore how people perceive and interact with wildlife, with a focus on conflict, coexistence, and community attitudes toward Australia's unique native animals.

I currently serve as the Scientific Director of the Australian Dingo Foundation and as a member of the IUCN Dingo Working Group, contributing to national and international efforts to better understand and protect this iconic Australian species. My work has been featured in academic journals, books, and media, and I’m regularly invited to consult or comment on topics related to dingoes, dogs, and the many ways humans live alongside animals.

My teaching philosophy is centred on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world application, with a particular focus on developing foundational skills in first-year students. I strive to build students' psychological literacy and prepare them for their future careers by engaging them with the core principles of psychology and sparking their interest in the field. In addition to this, I lead the Psychology Capstone unit, which bridges academic learning with industry and community engagement, equipping students with practical skills, professional experience, and the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.

Outside of teaching and research, I am Chair of the Undergraduate Psychology Course Reference Committee at CQUniversity, a Category B member of the CQUniversity Animal Ethics Committee, and serve on the editorial board of the journal Anthrozoös.

For more information and updates on my research, please visit my personal website www.howlingdingo.com.au.

Recent Research Projects
The Ecological and Cultural Significance of Wartaji (Dingo) in the Great Sandy Desert.
From: 26/09/2024 to 25/09/2027
Grant: Scholarship (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Schemes: Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) - Contract Research
Total Funding: N/A
Dingoes on Nyangumarta Country
From: 07/07/2022 to 30/06/2023
Grant: Contract Research (Category 3: Industry and Other)
Funding Schemes: Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) - Contract Research
Total Funding: $30,020.00
The population, behaviour and management of dingoes at Telfer Mine, Western Australia
From: 01/10/2015 to 28/02/2017
Grant: Contract Research (Not Specified )
Funding Schemes: Newcrest Mining Limited - Telfer Gold Mine Project; 2015 Linkage Pilot Grant - CQU Internal
Total Funding: N/A
Eden Valley, Bangor and Rockleigh Fires - January 2014: Capturing community experiences
From: 23/03/2014 to 30/04/2015
Grant: Contract Research (CRC)
Funding Schemes: Bushfire CRC Research Grants
Total Funding: N/A
Research Supervision
Accreditation

I am currently accredited for supervision in the following:

  • 5299 Other psychology
  • 3109 Zoology
  • 4102 Ecological Applications
  • 4104 Environmental management
  • 4503 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environmental knowledges and management

Current Capacity
I am currently available to supervise more research candidates
Current Supervision
Doctor of Philosophy
The ecological and cultural significance of Wartaji (dingo) in the Great Sandy Desert
Principal Supervisor
Doctor of Philosophy
Determining the impacts of dingoes on livestock production: A case study from Central West NSW.
Principal Supervisor
Doctor of Philosophy
How social norms maintain ridden horse management and training practices and their impact on horse welfare, equestrian accidents and injuries, and rider satisfaction.
Associate Supervisor
Doctor of Philosophy
Gambling with your heard or heart? An exploration of gambling fallacies and gambling expectancies
Associate Supervisor
Complete Supervision
Doctor of Philosophy
I think we took a wrong turn: A Critical Evaluation of the Role of Ontologies in Gambling Fallacies and Generally Fallacious Beliefs
Associate Supervisor
Doctor of Philosophy
The Effects of Temperature, Sleep Restriction, and Physical Activity on the Sleep Architecture and Cognitive Performance of Volunteer Firefighters During Various Simulated Wildland Fireground Tours. 
Associate Supervisor
Research Interests
Biological Sciences

Evolutionary Biology - Behavioural Ecology

Biological Sciences

Evolutionary Biology - Ethology and Sociobiology

Biological Sciences

Zoology - Animal Behaviour

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science and Management - Conservation and Biodiversity

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science and Management - Wildlife and Habitat Management

Psychology

Other psychology - Other psychology not elsewhere classified
Human-animal interactions

Psychology And Cognitive Sciences

Psychology - Psychology not elsewhere classified

Publications
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Teaching
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