Kimberly Poppiti, PhD, MFA, has been studying and writing about horses, and horses and theatre, as well as related live equestrian entertainments, for years. She has published numerous short form pieces in scholarly and popular publications. She is also a two-time winner of the USITT's Herbert D. Greggs Award (2018 and 2013) for her writing about theatre design and technology, and the recipient of the USITT's Greggs Merit Award (2007), for her article on theatrical appliances used in the production of hippodrama.
Kimberly is a university professor, tenured in the Department of Communication Studies at St. Joseph's University in Patchogue, New York. Prior to joining the faculty at St. Joseph's, she served as Department Chair & Associate Professor in the Department of Communication & Performing Arts at Dowling College (where she taught until Dowling closed in 2016).
Kimberly has worked extensively in educational theatre management & production, as well as with the development of new scripts for the stage; she is also a former professional and competitive equestrian who competed successfull in various disciplines and on the national level. Her research into equestrian drama and related equestrian entertainments is ongoing. She has also, in recent years, conducted research into the communicative styles and abilities of horses, both in practical settings and in relation to the preparation and presentation of learned horse acts.