Trained as an economist, her research focuses on identifying the drivers of land use change, quantifying the value of ecosystem services, and measuring the impact of conservation and natural resource policies. These areas of inquiry are important for designing, implementing, and adapting natural resource policies to meet the needs of society and the environment. Kelly draws on applied econometrics in her research, and whenever possible, collaborates with geospatial and natural scientists. She teaches an undergraduate course in ecosystem service economics and a graduate course on the economics of ecosystem services and conservation.