Kristina O'Hanley, an expert in animal welfare and sheltering, has been named an assistant professor of practice in companion animal science within Texas Tech University's Department of Animal & Food Sciences, according to officials within the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. She officially stepped into her new teaching post on Nov. 1.

In her new position, O'Hanley will support the companion animal science concentration in animal science by providing training instruction and opportunities to students to prepare undergraduates for companion animal industry jobs in animal behavior/training, animal shelter management and animal welfare.

Prior to joining the Texas Tech faculty, O'Hanley served as a manager of intervention services with the Ottawa (Ontario) Humane Society, and a scientific and business affairs coordinator with Paul Dick & Associates in Guelph, Ontario. Earlier she worked as a community spay neuter coordinator with the Guelph Humane Society.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Guelph's Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, and her master's degree from the University of Guelph's Department of Animal Biosciences. Her doctorate is from the University of Guelph's Department of Population Medicine.

During her academic career, she served as a graduate research assistant with the University of Guelph's Department of Population Medicine, and an undergraduate research assistant with the University of Guelph's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

The fast-growing Department of Animal & Food Sciences is housed in a modern research and teaching facility with more than 30 faculty members, many of whom are leading researchers in their respective fields. Areas of research emphasis include meat science and muscle biology, food science and safety, animal nutrition, health, welfare, and companion animal science. The current department enrollment is 1,460 students (Graduate: 115 / Undergraduates: 1,345).

CONTACT: Clint Krehbiel, Dean, Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or Clint.Krehbiel@ttu.edu

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