KELLYN LACOUR-CONANT
RESTORATION ECOLOGIST
IF/THEN Series
Kellyn LaCour-Conant helps heal the environment from the harmful effects of human activity and natural disasters. Issues like pollution and events like hurricanes can make wildlife and people sick, and ecosystems unhealthy. Ecologists study ecosystems, and LaCour-Conant studies soil, water, plants, and animals to help restore a balance to the natural world around us.
Their work focuses on traditional and local ecological knowledge, or TLEK, and environmental justice related to coastal land loss in Louisiana. You can find resources for young students on TEK, similar to TLEK, at this link.
Outside of work, LaCour-Conant enjoys spending time with family and keeping up with hobbies. They share: "My family's from the Cane River Creole community near Kisatchie National Forest (central Louisiana) and our relatives and heritage are very special to us. I also love volleyball, gardening, and horseback riding!"
Educational Pathway: LaCour-Conant studied biology in college, and marine and environmental science in graduate school. They are currently working on a PhD in urban forestry and natural resources with a focus on Indigenous science and community engagement.
They volunteered with The Student Conservation Association throughout high school and college, and grew up with family traditions of fishing, hunting, and farming.
Name Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of LaCour-Conant’s name in their IF/THEN Ambassador videos.
Further resources
(some links may be repeated from above)
Watch: LaCour-Conant’s profile from STEM pathfinders. (Note you can also find shorter clips from the profile at the STEM Pathfinders YouTube page).
Watch: Restoring Coastal Wetlands with LaCour-Conant on Mission Unstoppable.
Follow them on Twitter: @KellynLaCour
Follow them on Instagram: @kellynlacour