Kelly Russo-Petrick

Kelly Russo-Petrick, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Urban Ecology at the University of the District of Columbia, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences. Her work integrates GIS-driven field research with urban sustainability and conservation biology, focusing on tree canopy health, wildlife ecology, and ecological dynamics in fragmented urban landscapes.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Biology, Bowling Green State University
  • M.S. in Applied Ecology & Conservation Biology, Frostburg State University
  • B.S. in Wildlife Conservation (Cum Laude), Juniata College

Her research explores how urbanization affects biodiversity, with specific studies on bat activity patterns, oak health, and genetic diversity in wildlife populations. She employs GIS technologies and field data collection to inform conservation strategies in urban environments.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding genetic risks in herbivore populations, acoustic monitoring of bats, and the ecological impacts of anthropogenic interventions. She also investigates multiscale environmental stressors in protected areas.

• Scientific Awards:
  • North American Congress for Conservation Biology (2022) - Financial support award
  • Graduate Student Senate (2019) - Professional development funding

Dr. Russo-Petrick teaches courses in General Ecology, Botany, and Anatomy & Physiology, while engaging in community outreach and interdisciplinary education. She has held leadership roles in academic committees and contributed to wildlife monitoring initiatives.