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 at kan1@rice.edu or 713-348-3193.
Recent Publications
Harris County Leads State in Fentanyl Deaths in 2023, Data Shows
Before fentanyl’s rise, overdose deaths were more limited to opioid and heroin users, fellow Katharine Neill Harris explains. But now, the risk has broadened to non-regular drug users, like someone trying cocaine for the first time or buying counterfeit drugs.
Motivated by Grieving Parents, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn Has Made Fentanyl Crisis a Priority
Sen. John Cornyn has made the fentanyl crisis a priority, pushing policies to crack down on supply. But such policies have a limited impact on drug abuse and divert resources from preventive programs and treatment, says fellow Katharine Neill Harris.
Stigma Around Drug Known For Zombie-Like Effects Makes it Hard to Treat
Stigma around Xylazine stops people from seeking help, fellow Katharine Neill Harris explained. Health care providers at all levels need to be aware of the problem so “people don’t feel so ashamed that they kind of hide and don’t get the help that they need.”