Katie Donnelly, Ph.D.

Professor Donnelly uses the composition of volcanic rocks to understand the chemical evolution of the planet and dynamics of the Earth’s mantle. Professor Donnelly has applied her experience in basic scientific research to academic study, government policy as an advisor to key members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and climate and clean energy initiatives through work at private foundations and other non-profit organizations. Professor Donnelly earned a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Columbia University, a M.Sc. in Geological Sciences from the University of Otago in New Zealand as a Fulbright Fellow, and a B.S. in Earth Sciences from Trinity University.

At Minerva, Donnelly has taught Empirical Analyses and Implications of Earth’s Cycles. In addition, she has taught in the Social Science Departments: Complex Systems Cornerstone. She has led cross-disciplinary tutorials on Science Communication and Climate Change Policy and advised numerous Capstone projects on climate change and sustainability. She is a Faculty member under the Interdisciplinary Sustainability minor.