Katilau graduated with a B.A. from Vassar College, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary. She is interested in Ukambani; African Traditions (Ancestor Veneration, Akamba Philosophy, Bantu Linguistics, Epistemology, Indigeneity, Ontology, Religion, Spirituality); Theology: (African, African Women's, Black Liberation, Ecological, Ecowomanism, Liberation, Queer); Earth Ethics (Plant Wisdom, Environmental Justice, Cosmic Visions, Animal Liberation).