Katherine McKnight

Katherine McKnight is a senior manager in RTI International’s Center for Education Research, where she focuses on making STEM learning more accessible and inclusive for all learners. With over three decades of experience in education research and program evaluation, Katherine has worked with schools, nonprofits, and national organizations to understand what really works for teaching and learning, especially in STEM. Katherine has led national and state-level evaluations for organizations such as the U.S. Department of Education, NSF, and the Department of Defense, focusing on STEM education, teacher professional learning and development, and workforce pathways. A former university instructor in statistics and research methods, she is passionate about making research meaningful and accessible through clear storytelling and data visualization. Her work includes a focus on how informal STEM experiences—like after-school programs and community-based initiatives—can spark curiosity and open doors for learners who might otherwise be left out.