I use a scientific approach to understand what animals need and help people improve their care and wellbeing. I adopt an optimistic yet realistic perspective on our relationships with animals. I enjoy talking with people who want to learn more about animal welfare and helping others get started working in this field.

I received a B.S. in Zoology (2001) and a Ph.D. in Psychology (2009) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. I am the Director of the Animal Welfare Science Program at Lincoln Park Zoo, an advisor to the Animal Welfare Committee of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the Animal Welfare Working Group of the European Association for Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and have been a faculty member of the Committee on Evolutionary Biology at the University of Chicago. My research integrates the study of behavioral and psychological changes that occur in animals, and is increasingly geared toward practical, actionable insights that influence how we care for animals. Prior to my arrival in Chicago, I was a Staff Scientist at the Max Planck Institute in the Netherlands, conducted research in European zoos, and initiated a long-running program studying chimpanzees in Africa. Currently, I dedicate time to strategic development of animal welfare programs, scientific and public lectures, mentoring, writing, and consulting to advance animal wellbeing.

Follow me on Bluesky @KatieACronin for tweets about the science of happy animals and opportunities for current and aspiring animal welfare scientists.