Education

• BA, 2005, Dual Degrees in Biology and Political Science, Tulane University
• PhD, 2011, Conservation Biology, University of New Orleans

Biography

Kimberly Terrell earned a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology (a field of biology focused on protecting nature) from the University of New Orleans in 2011 and dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology (Cell & Molecular) and Political Science from Tulane University in 2005. As a Tulane student, she was awarded the University’s Environmental Stewardship Award for her work in developing Campus Cats, a program to humanely reduce local stray cat populations. Dr. Terrell’s graduate research was conducted at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (Washington, DC) and focused on endangered cat species. She was subsequently awarded a David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship to study the biological effects of climate change and help local communities protect native wildlife. Throughout her experience as a scientist, Dr. Terrell has always felt strongly connected to the culture and environment of the Gulf Coast. Inspired by this connection, Dr. Terrell joined the Environmental Law Clinic in 2018, where she serves as a Research Scientist and Director of Community Engagement. With her knowledge of environmental issues and experience working with frontline communities, Dr. Terrell helps concerned citizens engage in environmental decision-making and access the legal resources of the Environmental Law Clinic. Dr. Terrell is a native of the Mississippi River Basin, having lived most of her life in New Orleans, Memphis, and northern Illinois.