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Dr. Lacy Knutson is a SDSU graduate from the psychology department. After receiving her bachelor's from SDSU, she completed her master's in applied behavior analysis (ABA) at St. Cloud State University. Following which, she spent the majority of her career working in the clinical field supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. After six years in the clinical field, she returned to school to further her education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, receiving her doctoral degree in ABA while working full time as a training associate with the Center for Disabilities out of Sioux Falls. Following a move to Kentucky to be close to her niece and nephew, she was the clinical director for an ABA clinic in southern Indiana. She is the founding member and first elected president of the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Association for Behavior Analysis (SDABA).

In the fall of 2022, Dr. Knutson returned to her alma mater and join some of her former psychology faculty as colleagues. In her role in the psychology department, she enjoyed teaching courses such as Behavior Modification, Learning and Conditioning, Abnormal Psychology and her Special Topics course Behavior Technician Fundamentals. A highlight of her time in the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies at SDSU included mentoring students in research, including the Great Plains Regional I-Corps program with NSF. Supporting student writing development, leading to 3 Schultz-Werth award winners and taking students to conference where they presented their work.

In May 2025, she had the honor of being selected as the Lucas P. Wintrode Assistant Professor of Special Education - Autism Studies, endowed position and transitioned to the College of Education and Human Sciences, School of Education, Counseling and Human Development where she is teaching courses to support the newly offered bachelor degree in Special Education. Her passions include autism, the principles of learning and mental health.

Outside of her work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking and training her dog, Eddison, and making trips to Kentucky to visit her niece and nephew.