Biography
Katharine Neill Harris, Ph.D., is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Her current research focuses on the availability of drug treatment for at-risk populations, the opioid epidemic, and the legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis. She supports policy reforms that treat drug use as a public health issue, such as alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders, needle-exchange programs, safe-consumption sites, drug testing services, expanded access to medication-assisted treatments, and greater integration of substance use and mental health services with each other and with other areas of medical service.
Neill Harris received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from George Mason University. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University before going on to complete her Ph.D. in public administration and urban policy. She received the Old Dominion University Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award in 2014 and the Simon Scholarship for Academic Performance in 2011 and 2012.
Contact her at kan1@rice.edu or (713) 348-3193.
Recent Publications
White House Names Fentanyl Mixed With Xylazine 'Emerging Threat' to U.S.
The lethal combination of fentanyl & xylazine has quickly become an emerging threat to public health. “Pushing out testing equipment to help people avoid it can keep people safe and prevent overdose," Drug Policy fellow Katharine Neill Harris explained.
Texas Has Declared War on Fentanyl. Drug Experts Say It’s Making the Same Old Mistakes.
The fentanyl overdose crisis continues to affect families across the country, a calamity that fellow Katharine Neill Harris says could have been prevented. “We really need to expand access to medically assisted treatment options,” she explained to Texas Monthly.
Legalizing Drug-Testing Strips Will Save Lives (Opinion)
As drug-related deaths continue to climb, Katharine Neill Harris says legalizing test strips will lower numbers. "TX will be better prepared for new drug threats by permitting testing for other adulterants in addition to fentanyl," she writes.
External Publications
-
"Legalizing Drug-Testing Strips Will Save Lives (Opinion)," Houston Chronicle, March 25, 2023.
-
"Make medical marijuana available to all Texans who need it (Opinion)," Houston Chronicle, May 5, 2021.
-
"Response to Fake Weed Must Focus on Public Health," Houston Chronicle, March 29, 2017.
-
"Harris County Should Stop Jailing Small-Time Drug Offenders," Houston Chronicle, September 29, 2015.