Kathryn (Katie) Stofer, Ph.D.

Dr. Katie Stofer is a Research Associate Professor of STEM Education and Outreach at the University of Florida. She also serves as a Coach for the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) program at the Extension Foundation.12

Dr. Stofer's research focuses on public engagement with science, particularly studying what makes public engagement effective for both scientists and various audiences. She designs new models of public engagement and is interested in how adults gather and use scientific research information.4

Some key points about Dr. Stofer's background and expertise:

• She holds a Ph.D. from Oregon State University in science education in informal science learning settings.1
• Her previous education includes a bachelor's degree in biology from the California Institute of Technology and a master's degree in science journalism from Boston University.1
• Dr. Stofer has over 10 years of experience in public engagement at various science museums and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.1
• Her research interests include science identity development in college students, intersections of science/STEM and agriculture education, and meaning-making from scientific data visualizations.5
• She is particularly focused on making STEM evident in agricultural education.1

In her role with EXCITE, Dr. Stofer is part of a team working on a nationwide local response by U.S. Cooperative Extension to improve immunization education and engagement.23 The EXCITE program involves collaboration between the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the CDC, and the Extension Foundation to provide sustainable health and immunization programming across the Cooperative Extension System.3