As a Ph.D. candidate, my research aims to develop an animal pneumatology, and explore the intersection between animal studies and spirituality. My research supervisors are Dr Grant Buchanan and Prof. Ernst Conradie.I am an Associate Lecturer of Systematic Theology, where I provoke critical thought about the relationship between God and the natural world. My faculty profile can be found via this link: https://www.ac.edu.au/faculty-and-staff/daniela-rizzo/My academic memberships extend to the Australasian Animal Studies Association, the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, the Society for Pentecostal Studies and more recently with A Rocha Australia. Outside academia, I'm a member of the Warrnambool Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee, contributing to environmental policy discussions and sustainable community initiatives. My published research centres on the connection between animals and theology, aiming to address anthropocentrism within the theological discourse.I am driven by a desire to make a positive difference in the lives of animals as I contribute to a more inclusive theological dialogue. Recognising that religious worldviews significantly impact how we engage with and assign moral weight to our actions within the natural world, I seek to influence these perspectives both within my faith tradition and through ecumenical and inter-faith dialogue. My goal is to inspire shifts in thinking that lead to proactive, tangible changes—especially in the ways we value and care for animals.