Kate McDowell

Dr. Kate McDowell is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s School of Information Sciences. She holds a PhD in Library and Information Science from the same institution. Her work focuses on storytelling as information research, data storytelling, and social justice storytelling. She has led transformative projects like the nationally-funded Data Storytelling Toolkit for Librarians and collaborated with organizations such as PAHO (WHO), Prairie Rivers Network, and CARLI.

Her research explores how storytelling humanizes data, bridges epistemological divides, and addresses misinformation. She has received prestigious awards including the 2022 ASIST Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award and the 2018 Excellence in Online Teaching Award. Her courses emphasize innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Educations: PhD in Library and Information Science (UIUC)
• Current Projects: Data Storytelling Toolkit, anti-infodemic initiatives
• Key Research Themes: Social justice narratives, library storytelling’s impact on data practices

Dr. McDowell’s publications span information science, library studies, and public health. She frequently presents on data storytelling strategies and has advised multiple nonprofit organizations. She previously served as Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at UIUC’s iSchool.

Grants & Recognition: Over $50k in funding for storytelling research, including the Centennial Scholar Award. Her work bridges academic research with practical advocacy for libraries and communities.