The Cats of Comm — Celebrating National Cat Day!
It’s National Cat Day, and around here, that means one thing: an excuse to celebrate our department’s most purr-suasive personalities (and their humans, too).
Meet the Cats of the Communication Department, our unofficial mascots of curiosity, chaos, and comfort.
Dr. Natasha Seegert’s cats
Ash
Full Name: Lord Ashmolean Summerisle
About me: I've been described as where George Clooney meets Forrest Gump. In case you were wondering, yes, my tongue really is out 90% of the time.
If I were an emoji: 👅
Juniper
Full Name: Juniper Barbariana
About me: My place is of the sun… to hide the dark forces within.
If I were an emoji: 🌇
Dr. Sara Yeo’s cat
Boomz
Full Name: Queen (Honorary Dr.) Fatty Boombalatty Yeo
About me: I enjoy walks in nature, stretching out on the carpet, and letting others bask in my glory. All bow to the Queen.
If I were an emoji: 👑
Dr. Crystal Lumpkins’ cat
Rocky
Full Name: Rocky David Lumpkins
About me: I enjoy sitting at the dining room table—always ready for my next meal (or at least a solid conversation about it).
If I were an emoji: 🍽️
Dr. Kim Kaphingst’s cats
Vladimir
About me: I'm described as a social butterfly. I love meeting new people and being the center of attention.
If I were an emoji: 🗣️
Follow me: @vladandalexei on Instagram
Alexei
About me: Unlike my boisterous brother. I prefer quiet contemplation; some may say I am an academic at heart.
If I were an emoji: 🧑🏫
Follow me: @vladandalexei on Instagram
Dr. Danielle Endres’ cat
Sammy
Nickname: Sammy Whammy Gamgee
About me: I'm like a hobbit; I eat, I sleep, and every once in a while, I go on a little adventure to the backyard.
If I were an emoji: 🧝♂️
Academic Program Manager Travis Ciaramella’s cats
Gracie
About Me: Treat-lover and belly-rub enthusiast, currently skeptical about the new kitten.
If I were an emoji: 🎉
Ruby
About Me: Playful, cuddly, and quickly learning the ropes in my new home.
If I were an emoji: 🧸
Administrative Assistant Emmy Darling’s cat
Gus
Nicknames: Gussie Boi, Gustavo, Gus Man, Gus Gus
About me: A very orange cat with major FOMO who insists on belly rubs and being part of every conversation (especially Zoom ones).
If I were an emoji: 🙃
PhD Student Damon Darling’s cats
Rosco
Full Name: Rosco's Chicken and Waffles or Rosco's Bar and Nightclub, depending on who you ask.
About Me: My siblings and I are like the Powerpuff Girls if the Powerpuff Girls were cats and constantly plotting world domination... I call Buttercup.
If I were an emoji: 🐈⬛
Rocket
Full Name: Rocket Launcher
About Me: My siblings and I are like the Powerpuff Girls if the Powerpuff Girls were cats and constantly plotting world domination... I call Bubbles.
If I were an emoji: 🚀
Reggie
Full Name: Reginald George
About Me: My siblings and I are like the Powerpuff Girls if the Powerpuff Girls were cats and constantly plotting world domination... I call Blossom.
If I were an emoji: 🤓
PhD Student Yiqing Ran's cats
Fuego
About Me: Every day I hang on a two-dimensional dish chair... It's my happy place.
If I were an emoji: 🐼
Vidar
About Me: I sleep in a perfect circle that is undisturbed. Some may say I inspired the Fibonacci sequence.
If I were an emoji: 🐚
PhD Student Marissa Medina’s cats
Frankie
About Me: Tiny but mighty! When I want something, nothing can stop me.
If I were an emoji: 💄
River
About Me: Very talkative, assertive, but cuddly! I love to spend my day sunbathing on the balcony.
If I were an emoji: 😸
PhD Student Gabby Garza's cat
Howl
About Me: I've been a faithful research assistant throughout my mom's program. One day, we'll have to research which treats are best...
If I were an emoji: 🧐
PhD Student Caitlin Walrath’s cat
Muffin
About me: I'm a very talkative and loud former street cat. I love to watch cat tv, eat churus, and occasionally be the life of the party.
If I were an emoji: 😎
Whether they’re supervising our grading, joining Zoom meetings, or napping through deadlines, these cats remind us all to take life a little less seriously and nap a little more often.
Got a cat who could rival our department’s stars?
📸 Tag us and use #catsofcomm so we can feature your furry friend!