Allie Andrukonis joined the UW–Madison faculty in May 2025 as an assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. 

What is your hometown? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. 

What is your educational/professional background, including your previous position?
I received two bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!), one in animal and poultry sciences and one in psychology. I then moved to Lubbock, Texas, where I completed my master’s and PhD in animal science at Texas Tech University. Following my PhD, I returned to Virginia Tech for a post doc.

What is your field of research, and how did you get into it?
My field of research is the interconnectedness of human and companion animal behavior and welfare. I am particularly interested in One Welfare – an approach that promotes the direct and indirect links of animal welfare to human welfare – within animal shelters. I owe my interest in, and passion for, shelter animals to my family’s first dog, Andy, and my beloved cat, Thelma Lue. 

What are the main goals of your current research program?
The two main goals of my current research program are to 1) improve companion animal welfare by addressing behavioral and health concerns, and 2) improve animal care employee wellbeing by identifying and addressing workplace stressors.

What was your first visit to campus like?
My first visit to campus was in December, so it was just starting to get cold. However, I was immediately struck by how warm and welcoming all the people were. 

What’s one thing you hope students who take a class with you will come away with?
The knowledge and tools to debunk some of the myths that surround companion animals. 

Do you feel your work relates in any way to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how.
Yes, my research is very applied and the majority of it occurs out in the community. It is important to me that my research is directly beneficial to my community partners. 

What’s something interesting about your area of expertise you can share that will make us sound smarter at parties? 
The first United States animal shelter that provided food and medical care and attempted to rehome the animals was started in 1868 by Caroline Earle White. 

What are your hobbies and other interests?
Outside of hanging out with animals, I enjoy playing and watching sports. Although I enjoy most sports, I particularly love watching Virginia Tech football, Washington Nationals baseball, and Formula One.