Jeremy Smith (Ph.D.) is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His current research focuses on how the social bonds between humans and animals shape experiences with and the functioning of the American criminal justice system. Jeremy has taught courses in criminological theory, law and society, punishment and society, and criminal justice. He has also worked as an animal control officer and in animal care. As an animal control officer, Jeremy’s primary duty was investigating allegations of animal abuse while his duties in animal care focused on enriching the physical and emotional wellbeing of the animals in the shelter. Jeremy is currently volunteering at Young-Williams Animal Shelter in Knoxville where he continues to care for the physical and emotional wellbeing of the animals in the shelter. He also helps train new volunteers in the proper handling of the shelter’s animal population, as well as helping with special events focused on finding forever homes for the shelter’s dogs and cats.