Professor Mehrkam has worked with a wide range of species in numerous animal facilities including Disney's Animal Kingdom, Busch Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory, as well as a number of wildlife sanctuaries and animal shelters. Her primary research interests focus on the benefits of human-animal interaction, enrichment, and training for improving the welfare of captive animals, and especially canines.

As a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, she also provides in-home consultations with both animals and people, and studies applications of the human-animal bond for improving the lives of children with intellectual, developmental, and emotional disabilities.