Kris Hill

  1. Introduction
  2. A little more bit about me…
  3. Follow me on social media
  4. Other profiles and affiliations
  5. My journey: From school dropout to 2nd PhD
  6. Pay it Forward!

Introduction

As a visiting professor at the Philosophical Faculty at the University of Hradec Králové (FF UHK), I developed and taught an introductory course on Anthrozoology/Human-Animal Studies (2024/2025). I am continuing my affiliation as a research associate, studying cat-human cultures and relationships with companion animals in society and the family.

I would be happy to connect with researchers and other stakeholders interested in potential collaborative projects. See here for my completed and ongoing research projects.

Download my CV here

A little more bit about me…

I completed my (2nd) PhD in Anthrozoology in 2023 (my project focused on free-roaming cats) while building the foundations of a new career – as an academic and educator dedicated to improving the lives of animals (including humans who care for more than human animals). Since 2019, I have authored or contributed to 21 peer-reviewed papers or book chapters. Amongst others, I have published in Society & Animals (SOAN), Anthrozoös, Humanimalia, and Tourism Geographies. In 2023 I established the Cat Academic Think Tank (e-CATT), a cross-disciplinary group of academics whose interests are related to domestic cats (Felis catus) or small wild cat species.

In 2020 I initiated and have since co-organised an annual student conference in human-animal studies (Anthrozoology as International Practice,AIP) and am involved in various outreach and collaborative projects. I am an advocate for making academic studies accessible and relevant to everyone, despite the somewhat esoteric nature of academic writing! I am a co-founder and host on The Anthrozoology Podcast, a collaborative project that features early-career anthrozoologists discussing various topics that has been running since 2020.

From 2021 I have served as a Communications Officer for the Society of Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), and was elected to the board of trustees in 2023. This year (2025) I was elected to to the board of the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAS) for a two-year term.

I am a co-editor for Sloth: A Journal of Emerging Voices in Human-Animal Studies, and recently recently invited to join the Editorial Advisory Board for Anthrozoös (2025),

Follow me on social media

Other profiles and affiliations

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My journey: From school dropout to 2nd PhD

Career paths can take unexpected turns, but mine was far from linear and at times lacked direction! I was a high-school dropout, leaving at age 16 without taking exams. From age 16-24, I was employed in various roles within the equestrian industry. In my mid-twenties I became a ‘mature student’ for the first time, working in bars and restaurants to fund my further and higher education. I’ve lived in five countries (England, Wales, US, Germany, Czechia). In 2007 I completed my first PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Kentucky, US. I dedicated 20 years of my life to academic bench science, but tired with being a highly qualified technician unable to work on problems that most inspired me. I was frustrated in my inability to establish independence in this field.

In 2016 I discovered the MA in Anthrozoology at Exeter University, which I completed while working full-time in an unrelated field. It started as a hobby that ultimately led to a career change, via my second PhD in Anthrozoology. Previously, I never truly believed what I was doing had any real meaning beyond self-gratification and career progression. What has always been missing is a sense that I was making a positive difference in the world. Now I believe my research has societal relevance as well as being personally fulfilling. However, the struggle to make ends meet continues!

Pay it Forward!

I have a keen interest in science communication, public engagement, and supporting non-traditional students (especially ‘mature’, first generation, and neurodiverse students). I first left school at age 16 with no qualifications!

I have benefitted immensely from peer support and mentorship and am happy to Pay-It-Forward! Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like to chat.

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