Katy Proudfoot

Katy Proudfoot

Associate Professor at the University of Prince Edward Island and Director of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island

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Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre

What was your experience in the Animal Welfare Program?

I graduated from the Animal Welfare Program with my MSc in 2008 and PhD in 2013 with a main focus of study in dairy animals. When I was looking for graduate programs, the UBC AWP was one of the only animal welfare programs in North America and felt life a great fit for me. 

What have you been doing since graduating from the AWP?

After graduating from UBC with a PhD in 2013, I joined the Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as an Assistant Professor. My appointment included a combination of teaching, research and extension/service related to dairy cow welfare. In 2019, I was offered my current position at the Atlantic Veterinary College where I currently teach, do research, and have administrative responsibilities related to the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre. 

My professional goal is to improve the lives of animals through teaching, research and outreach with the community. My specific focus has been on dairy animals, but I plan to also include other species (e.g., horses and companion animals) in the future. 

What is your advice for students?

My advice for current students and recent graduates is to take all of the opportunities that faculty and the university have to offer. I feel fortunate to have been given a lot of experiences during my PhD that postdoctoral researchers or faculty members would normally get (e.g., curriculum development, reviewing manuscripts, giving invited talks at scientific/industry meetings). Those experiences helped me feel confident in my first position as a faculty member.