Katherine Blanchard

Katherine Pedersen Blanchard works in the Professional Services division of the Smithsonian Science Education Center where she has managed and supported a variety of programs including teacher professional development workshops, leadership institutes, and the Smithsonian Science Education Academies for Teachers: Energy’s Innovations and Implications. The main focus of her work has been supporting teachers, schools and districts in building support and awareness for STEM education in their communities. She is currently working to expand the SSEC’s reach both in the U.S. and internationally. Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, Katherine worked for theatre companies in Santa Fe, NM, and Belgrade, Serbia and completed a Fulbright Fellowship teaching English at the University of Belgrade. She graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Political Science. She also holds an M.A. in International Education, and a certificate in Incorporating International Perspectives in Education, both from The George Washington University. As a native of New Mexico, Katherine takes every opportunity she can to eat spicy food and climb mountains.