The State of Animal Studies

Session Submission Type: Invited Session (90 minute)

Description

Over the past thirty years, the Animal Turn has broken ground and flourished throughout academia - though not without obstacles. This Invited Panel brings together experienced Animal Studies researchers and activists with the next generation entering the field. Together, we will address the State of Animal Studies in the context of 2026. How has the field evolved, and what are the aims of the various trajectories? What are the current obstacles to those entering this area of inquiry, and what strategies exist for navigating through? What potentialities have arisen for collaboration, direct action, and community engagement? Working in collaboration with NYU Animal Studies, this session is aimed at collectively seeking an understanding as to our positionality and our next steps.

Sub Unit

• Animals and Society Section / The State of Animal Studies

Presider

• Angela Mertig, Middle Tennessee State University

Individual Presentations

• Animals in Academia: Comparing the Evolution of Animal Studies across Disciplines - Angela Mertig, Middle Tennessee State University

• Multi-Species Migrant Families in Times of Border Enforcement - Nancy Rios-Contreras, Chapman University

• The Importance of Teaching about Animals and the Further Development of Empathy Across Species - Cameron Thomas Whitley, Western Washington University

• Teaching the Ethical Generation - Animal Intersections and Gen Z - Seven Mattes, Michigan State University

Session Organizer

• Seven Mattes, Michigan State University