Biography
Katharine Harris, Ph.D., is the Alfred C. Glassell, III, Fellow in Drug Policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. She analyzes the impacts of local, state, and national drug laws. Her current research focuses on cannabis regulation and overdose mitigation strategies.
Harris received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from George Mason University. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University before going on to complete her Ph.D. in public administration and urban policy.
Contact at [email protected] or 713-348-3193.
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How Texas Hemp Regulations Affect Youth Safety
In this episode, Heidi Russell speaks with Katharine Harris about the rise of the hemp-derived THC market in Texas.
Katharine Harris, Heidi Russell June 17, 2026
Health Policy in the First Year of Trump’s Second Administration
In its first year, the second Trump administration has enacted substantial shifts in U.S. health policy, affecting insurance access, care costs, and guidance on nutrition and vaccines. This brief from the Center for Health Policy examines how these changes, particularly federal budget cuts, are expected to reduce insurance coverage and increase costs.
Elena M. Marks, Vivian Ho, Charles W. Mathias, Kirstin R.W. Matthews, Katharine Harris, Heidi Russell May 19, 2026
How US Hemp Policy Can Balance Consumer Access and Public Health
If enacted in November 2026, new federal provisions would tighten the definition of hemp, but the broader regulatory outlook remains uncertain. In this brief, Katharine Harris examines both state and federal policy approaches and the challenge of balancing public health concerns with consumer demand.
Katharine Harris April 21, 2026