Kirstin Waldkoenig

Kirstin Waldkoenig is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. Her academic work bridges environmental philosophy, feminist thought, and indigenous perspectives, with a particular focus on how these traditions intersect to provide ethical guidance for human conduct in relation to nonhuman others.

Dr. Waldkoenig's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oregon, an M.A. in Environmental Philosophy from the University of Montana, and dual B.A. degrees in Philosophy and Creative Writing from Susquehanna University.

Her research is problem-oriented, examining:

• Relational ontologies and values (ways of articulating our situatedness and responsibility with nonhuman others)
• Geoethics in a time of environmental degradation (ways of expressing our earthly constitution and recommending our comportment)
• Geoscience (ways of knowing and reasoning about the earth)

Dr. Waldkoenig's scholarly work has recently appeared in Ethics, Policy & Environment, Journal of Applied Philosophy, and AJOB Neuroscience. Her publications address critical topics ranging from anthropocentrism to moral enhancement in the context of environmental crisis, reflecting her commitment to addressing pressing ecological challenges through philosophical inquiry.

Dr. Waldkoenig is particularly known for her innovative field teaching approach:

• 15+ years of experience leading backcountry excursions across the United States
• Current instructor for expedition-based upper-division college courses through Wild Rockies Field Institute
• Teaches students through direct engagement with nonhuman others via backpacking and kayaking expeditions
• Helps students recognize themselves in more-than-human communities and develop environmental responsiveness

Her teaching has been described by students as transformative, with one former student noting: 'Kirstin's teaching easily transformed me into a better student. She taught me always to be curious about the world and learn as much as possible about it... Her passion, care, and enthusiasm for the natural world were unforgettable.'