Katherine P. Dabney

Dr. Katherine P. Dabney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Virginia, an M.T. in Elementary Education, and a B.S. in Psychology from Colorado State University.

Her research examines formal and informal educational experiences influencing STEM achievement and career persistence, particularly among underrepresented groups. Key interests include:

• Impact of out-of-school STEM activities
• Science identity development
• Early science literacy
• Gender equity in STEM fields

Her publications focus on longitudinal studies of informal STEM experiences, revealing how family education and sustained engagement predict career interests. Research demonstrates that long-term participation (2+ years) significantly increases STEM career interest, especially among females without initial STEM inclination.

Awards include the Distinguished Junior Faculty Award (2017) and Presentations to Publications Award (2014). She leads NSF-funded projects like 'Impacts of STEM Experiences on Informal STEM Learning' and mentors graduate students through the VCU Early Science Education Research Lab.