Sean Skene

Senechal founded the AnimalSign Center, a language research center and school for non-primate animals. Sean created the AnimalSign Language used to research and teach animals a new, structured, and gestural language, inspired by the sophisticated language ASL. Using this with dogs and horses since 2004 and 2000 respectively, with encouraging results to the animals and people. The book 'Dogs Can Sign, Too. A breakthrough method for teaching your dog to communicate to you' was published by a Random House division. In 2013 the Monterey Zoo in California provided a few hours for working with the African elephants. The horse book was due out by Storey Press, who due to the economy (supposedly) decided to hold off. The self-published book is due out in 2015. Several other books will follow.

Sean's first work was featured in a Canadian canine magazine CANIS FAMILIARIS in 2008-9, and was shown in conventions such as the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. Sean's book AnimalSign To You in 2006, and Dog's Can Sign, Too. in 2009, and e-book 2013 were also published by Random House.

Sean's work with elephants was presented at Animal Behavior Society Convention in 2012.

Academics: During and after graduate school, Sean taught Cell Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, and related college/university courses. Sean teaches university courses in biology, psychology, and human development: Human Biology and Behavior, Biological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Behavior Disorders, Microbiology. Future Technology of Medicine is next, incorporating interests in biotech and making it more accessible and affordable. Another focus of Sean's interest is in current and Future of biotech advances: Regenerative Medicine advances, and the biological and psychological impact on individuals and society. Sexuality/ Gender Studies: In 2013, Sean's interest expanded to studying the growing gender and sexual diversity (especially in youth), its history (especially the transgender bisexual / gay male), impact on individuals, and the psycho- and socio- biological influences. The project (book) is on the Biological Basis and Markers of Sexual and Gender Diversity. The most recent growing phenomenon 'GenderQueer' especially in youth is of special interest. Is this growing due to biological-environmental, and/or social influences? At the Santa Cruz Diversity Center, Senechal facilitates a GenderQueer support group.

The equivalent horse book is expected out in 2015 through Amazon publishing.