About the 2027 Keynote

Our keynote speaker is Kathayoon Khali. Shel is the Senior Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Sustainability at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks. Kathayoon has worked in the zoo and aquarium world as an educator, keeper aide, volunteer, evaluator, researcher, and manager for since 2000. Kathayoon holds a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Stanford University, a Masters in Environmental Science from Yale University, and a B.A. in Biology from Claremont McKenna College. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kathayoon is also a professor for Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio. She loves beaches, mountains, cats, crafts, and running.