About
Bio
Dr. Zakiya Leggett is an associate professor at North Carolina State University in the College of Natural Resources. She joined the faculty in 2016 but had previously served as an adjunct faculty member for several years. She currently teaches Introduction to Environmental Science and Forest Soils. She serves as the campus director for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars (DDCS) Program as well as the director of the High School Summer Research (HSSR) Program. The DDCS program trains undergraduate students that are interested in research experiences in conservation issues as well as encouraging diversity in those fields. The HSSR Program exposes high school students to the field of forestry and natural resources with a 4-week summer research program.
In addition to these duties, Dr. Leggett conducts research related to forest and soil ecology as well as diversity and inclusion in ecology and natural resources. Before teaching at NCSU, Dr. Leggett worked for 10 years as a sustainability scientist with Weyerhaeuser Company, which is a forest products company. During this time, she managed a collaborative experimental research study with industry, university and government agencies that examined the environmental effects of cellulosic biofuel growth in a forest setting.
Dr. Leggett also shares her expertise as a mentor in various career development programs designed to increase the number of minority and female students in the field of ecology. As an invited speaker at schools, national conferences and universities, she shares her passion for environmental education and stewardship. Dr. Leggett is committed to encouraging diverse student populations—whether at the primary and secondary or graduate level—to pursue their educational goals.
Dr. Leggett currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Tuskegee University, the Governing Board for the Ecological Society of America and for the Board of Directors for the Triangle Land Conservancy. Additionally, she owns a consulting firm that assists with environmental education programs and hosts summer and after school camps.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Leggett earned a B.S from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL. After completing a Masters degree from Duke University, she earned a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University. Dr. Leggett resides in Raleigh, NC with her husband and four children.
Research Interests
- Soil carbon and nutrient cycling
- Soil carbon sequestration and stability
- Climate change impacts
- Diversity and inclusion in natural resources/forestry
- Eco-literacy and citizen science