Karren Knowlton

Karren Knowlton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Organizations, Strategy, and International Management at the Jindal School of Management (JSOM), The University of Texas at Dallas. Her research focuses on intergroup relations, equity and inclusion, change catalysts, and identity communication. She holds a PhD and MS from the University of Pennsylvania (2021), an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis (2013), and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis (2009).

Her research investigates allyship effectiveness, marginalized group dynamics, and gender disparities in entrepreneurship ecosystems. She has conducted extensive case studies in St. Louis and Boston, analyzing institutional pressures and support organizations. Her work bridges organizational behavior, social psychology, and policy interventions to promote systemic change.

Key awards include the Outstanding Reviewer Award (2022), finalist for the Organization Science/INFORMS Dissertation Proposal Competition (2020), and multiple fellowships including the Forté Foundation and Wharton Doctoral Programs Fellowship. Her articles explore topics like performative allyship, gender divides in startups, and leveraging identity for social change.

Dr. Knowlton’s grants include funding from the Wharton Center for Leadership and the Kauffman Foundation. She has advised on entrepreneurship ecosystem policies and collaborates with organizations like the Harvard Gender & Work Symposium. Her work emphasizes actionable solutions for inclusive innovation and organizational equity.