Kelly Boyer Ontl 

Kelly Boyer Ontl is the Dean of Graduate Studies at Unity Environmental University, where she leads the development of innovative online master’s programs designed to prepare future leaders in sustainability and conservation. A primatologist and wildlife conservationist for over 20 years, Kelly has worked as a primate keeper at the Houston Zoo, cared for chimpanzees at a West African sanctuary, and conducted ecological research on wild chimpanzees in Senegal. She started the Falémé Chimpanzee Conservation project where she was able to connect her love of primates, conservation, education, and art. 

Kelly’s work has focused on understanding how chimpanzees adapt to the harsh savanna environment, including using caves as thermal refuges, and on the impacts of small-scale gold mining on chimpanzee behavior. 

Beyond science, Kelly is a lifelong artist who has been drawing for many years and is now exploring painting as a new medium for creative expression. She is passionate about the intersection of art and conservation and believes that creativity is a powerful tool for engaging people in protecting wildlife and ecosystems.