Kristen Young Heroy, Ph.D., of New Ringgold, Pa., passed away unexpectedly on March 9, 2024. She was 37 years old.

Born in Baltimore, Md., on Aug. 1, 1986, Kristen was the daughter of the late Dr. James Harold Heroy III, an otolaryngologist, and Karen (Shervanick) Heroy, business owner of Travel Excellence. At the age of 10, she moved with her parents to Las Vegas, Nev., where she attended The Meadows private school.

At a young age, Kristen began dissecting deceased critters that she found to gain a better understanding of their anatomy and physiology. This curiosity fueled her interest in biology, animal science and ecology. She was passionate about horses and horseback riding and participated in junior rodeos where she won awards for pole bending and goat tying. When her horse, Lady, developed a lower-extremity injury, she worked closely with the veterinarian to tend to the wound, changing dressings and even removing stitches. Her interest in biology and animal care led her to work part time, during her high-school years, with the veterinary practice.

As an undergraduate at the University of Delaware, Kristen studied animal and food science and conducted research on the emergency depopulation of chickens, using humane practices. In 2008, she graduated from the university with a bachelor's degree in animal science. She continued her education at Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, where she completed a master's in animal science. Here her research focused on the feed and care of ranch animals, including vet care, breeding, pregnancy, branding, vaccinations and wellness.

While pursuing a doctorate in wildlife ecology at Utah State University, graduating in 2017, Kristen found her niche in academia, both in teaching and research. According to fellow scientist and half- brother, David Heroy, Ph.D., her time in Utah was, perhaps, "the happiest time of her life." Here she spent hours in the rolling mountains collecting Aspen, by hand, for sheep-feeding trials involving nutrition and other rudiments. According to David, the breadth of her research in Utah, Texas, Delaware and Pennsylvania involved "arduous work taking care of animals in the various research labs."

After earning her doctorate, Kristen found rewarding work teaching as an independent contractor. An innovator, she taught anatomy and physiology, biology, microbiology and developed courses integrating ecology, environmental science and, sometimes, spirituality to raise awareness of humans' impact on the environment, their role within the ecosystem, and the interconnectedness of nature.

Seeking a full-time professorship, Kristen eventually settled in rural Pennsylvania where she worked as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities before landing her dream job— a full-time assistant professorship—at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pa. She had a knack for both making difficult subjects easier to understand and making sure her students were well- prepared before tests. One student characterized her lectures as "always filled with energy and interest." She often took her classes up a few notches by engaging students in debates and fun group projects to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. "I learned way more than I did in [straight] lecture classes," a student posted on Lehigh's "rate-my-professors" page. Another

student described Kristen as one of the "best profs" on campus. "She really just wants everyone to love evolutionary biology as much as she does."

Kristen enjoyed many hobbies, among them camping, fishing, hiking, snowboarding, canine and equine training, and shooting (skeet, target and trap). She inherited her father's love of painting and drawing, most of which depicted animals and landscapes. Her high-energy dogs, Brittany Spaniels Allie and Ben, were her constant companions on hikes. Passionate about the breed, she became a volunteer with National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network, an organization that exists to better the wellbeing of Brittanies across the country.

Kristen also made time to advance the wellbeing of animals at Last Chance Ranch Rescue, in Pennsylvania, an organization that exists to rescue and rehabilitate equines, farm and domestic- companion animals. LCRR is also an educational resource promoting humane and responsible treatment of animals, including dogs and cats, and, ultimately, places rehabilitated animals into loving homes.

More recently, Kristen joined the Delaware Valley Trail Riders, an offroad motorcycle community dedicated to responsible stewardship of the sport. "Her passion for the sport and the people in it was contagious, said Liz Kienery, president. "She led by example as an open and inclusive rider whose effervescent and kind personality invited new riders into the sport with ease and made them feel comfortable trying something new and difficult."

She is survived by her mother, Karen Heroy; half-sister, Karen Welsko (Mark); half-brother, David Heroy (Erica); a nephew and three nieces; also, an uncle, Larry (Vickie) Shervanick; aunt, Kitsy (Lou) Hartley; uncle, Charles (Patty) Webb; and several cousins.

Kristen will be missed and remembered by many for her kindness, intelligence, and willingness to forge her own paths, unthwarted by the expectations of others. She was true to her self- characterization on Instagram: "Ph.D., Warrior Goddess, Not Your Average Bear."

A memorial service will be held on June 2nd at 2pm. Information will be provided by the family.

National Brittany Rescue and Adoption Network (NBRAN) is accepting donations to honor Kristen Young Heroy, Ph.D. NBRAN, a 501 (3)(c) organization, is comprised solely of unsalaried volunteers. All donations go toward the care and treatment of Brittany's in rescue and are tax deductible.