Human–Animal Interactions: Health and Wellbeing in a Global Context

Human–Animal Interactions: Health, Wellbeing, and Opportunities in an Global Context

This event highlights human–animal interactions, with a focus on their role in health, education, and social services. Experts from the United States and Hólar University will share insights from research, teaching and practice, emphasizing animal welfare and the interconnected impacts on health outcomes.

1) Human–Animal Interactions: U.S. and Nordic Insights (35 minutes)

Abstract

This seminar examines human-animal interactions (HAI) from U.S. and Nordic perspectives, emphasizing the role of cultural and institutional frameworks in shaping this field. An overview of animal interactions in human health services will be presented with a focus on animal wellbeing and the interconnectedness of health outcomes. 

Speaker Bio

Nina Ekholm Fry is a visiting Fulbright Specialist at Hólar University with a focus on humans, animals, and mental health. She is the director of Equine Programs at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at University of Denver, Colorado, and a faculty member in the Graduate School of Social Work and the Graduate School of Professional Psychology where her work focuses on the inclusion of equine interactions in psychotherapy and on equine behavior and welfare. She is the faculty coordinator of the Human-Animal-Environment Interactions master’s specialization and leads the post-master’s Equine Interactions in Mental Health Practitioner Certificate program. For the past 18 years, her work has included animals in human services in psychotherapy both in the United States and in Europe. Nina is a psychologist and a Swedish-speaking Finn who is actively engaged in professional organizations for both human and animal wellbeing.

2) Building Animal Assisted Services in Iceland (15 min)

Abstract

Partnering with horses for therapeutic purposes is growing across health, education, and social sectors globally, as well as in Iceland. Hólar University is an international leader in equine teaching and research – particularly regarding the Icelandic horse – and is uniquely positioned to contribute to the interdisciplinary advancement of animal assisted services. This presentation will provide an overview of recent scholarly activities at Hólar supporting the development of this evolving field.  

Speaker Bio

Since January 2026, Erika Berg has served as a Fulbright Scholar at Hólar University, where she has been teaching, connecting with practitioners, and collaborating with faculty to develop resources for animal assisted services. She brings more than three decades of experience in equine assisted services (EAS) through her work with multiple EAS centers across the United States and active engagement with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. She is currently Director of Bison Strides Equine Assisted Services Program and an Associate Professor at North Dakota State University in Fargo. At NDSU, she developed an academic minor in EAS and teaches coursework that emphasizes inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.