She received a M.A. in policy analysis and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She has published articles in the American Political Science Review, Journal of Politics, and Political Research Quarterly, among other journals. She has conducted policy research for the United Way, the Center for State Courts, as well as various cities and local non-profit agencies. She also served as a research fellow at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Kathlene is noted for the creation and implementation of citizen surveys for long range planning processes, such as county and city comprehensive plans. In 2000-2001, she will serve as a Faculty Associate in the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.