Kevin Morris

What I do

Dr. Kevin Morris is the American Humane endowed chair and a research professor within the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. He earned his undergraduate degree in molecular biology from the University of California, Berkeley and his PhD in molecular biology and biochemistry from The University of Chicago. Dr.  Morris spent 20 years conducting preclinical and clinical cancer research before adapting the focus of his work to improving human and animal health and welfare through scientific understanding of the human-animal bond. As executive director of the University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection, he oversees its research and education programs. Dr. Morris’ research portfolio focuses on understanding how human-animal interactions affect individual and community health and well-being within a framework of equity for both humans and other species. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs and on the Core Scientific Advisory Board for Michelson Found Animals Foundation’s Michelson Prize and Grants. The overall goal of his efforts is to raise the health and well-being of both people and other animals within the One Health framework through innovative, in-depth research and education.