Natalia Ciecierska-Holmes

About me
I am an enthusiastic and curious interdisciplinary researcher interested in ethical and social relations between humans and non-human animals in contemporary food systems. My research brings together perspectives from human-animals studies and food studies to explore how care, values, and everyday practices shape these relationships. I have international research experience across the UK, Germany, Australia, and India, and in 2025, I completed a jointly awarded PhD between the University of Adelaide and the University of Nottingham. 
 
Doctoral research
My thesis explores the underexplored topic of dogs as eaters using interviews and visual diaries with vegan, vegetarian, and, flexitarian dog owners in the UK and Australia who feed their dogs raw meat-based diets. The project examined themes of care, control, and food identities, showing common beliefs about dogs' need for meat, concerns about food system contamination, and their ethical framings of raw feeding. The findings contribute to scholarship in animal and food studies while also offering insights for veterinary professionals, animal welfare organisations, and pet food regulators.
 
Research experience
Alongside my PhD, I have contributed to projects on community engagement in genomics governance, artisanal food production, gender identities in farming, and community views around pest management. These roles have strengthened my expertise in qualitative, creative, and visual methods and deepened my interest in ethical consumption, care ethics, and novel food practices.
 
Leadership and engagement
In my current role as Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Liaison Officer at the University of Adelaide, I work to strengthen student belonging, wellbeing, and representation. My work involves supporting initiatives that improve the HDR student experience, reflecting my commitment to building inclusive academic environments and developing meaningful opportunities for collaboration and peer support across diverse student cohorts.