Katherine Fennelly's research and outreach interests include immigration and public policy and the preparedness of communities and public institutions to adapt to demographic changes. She has been dean of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, a faculty member and department head at the Pennsylvania State University, and a faculty member at Columbia University School of Public Health. She holds a certificate of studies from the University of Madrid, a master's of philosophy, a master's of health education, and a doctorate in adult education from Columbia University.