Katy studied biology at Austin College in Sherman, Texas and completed her Master of Science degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with her thesis, “Otitis Media in Oklahoma Children: The Role of Passive Exposure to Cigarette Smoke.” Katy joined the section of Endocrinology at OU Children’s Hospital in 2013 and currently coordinates Dr. David Fields’ studies regarding maternal factors, breastfeeding, and infant health and body composition. Her recent publications focus on maternal diabetes status and its association with breastmilk hormone concentrations; polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in breastmilk and early infant growth; how maternal body mass index (BMI) and nutrition affect breastmilk composition; and fructose and sucralose concentrations in human breastmilk. Previously, Katy worked in OU Family Medicine Research for thirteen years with publications in childhood immunizations, human papilloma virus and cervical cancer, patient numeracy, and breast cancer risk. Her further interests include tobacco use cessation. She is a member of the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, the Society of Clinical Research Associates, the Oklahoma Physicians Research Resource Center, and the National Center for Policy Research for Women and Families.

Katy is the mother of two stellar kids. For fun, she rows competitively, travels the world, and teaches biology to Oklahoma undergraduates.