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Before joining the faculty 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.

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 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 and for the SEEDS program within the Ecological Society of America.

Dr. Leggett is married and has two young daughters. Her family enjoys outdoor play and board games as well as hosting dinners and cookouts. They also have the mildest, coolest dog you’ll ever meet named Rusty.