Recognizing the critical importance of quality science and mathematics teaching to our nation’s well-being and economic competitiveness, Harry and Janet Knowles established the Janet H. and C. Harry Knowles Foundation, aka, Knowles Science Teaching Foundation, aka, KSTF in 1999.  Initial funding for the foundation came from the Knowles’ personal assets, and later, an $80 million endowment,  from the sale of the stock of Metrologic Instruments, Inc., a publicly traded company on NASDAQ.  

Mr. and Mrs. Knowles’ early philanthropic activities include funding the American Association of Physics Teachers Physics Bowl and endowing the Howard and Carolyn Carr Chair in Physics at Auburn University, Mr. Knowles’ alma mater.  More currently, through another foundation, the Knowles Charitable Foundation, a donation to the Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, will soon have the Janet Knowles Breast Cancer Center providing breast and related cancer research and care throughout the community.  

Mrs. Knowles joined Metrologic in 1972 as office manager.  In 1976, she was promoted to Vice President of Administration & Treasurer and in that capacity was responsible for procurement, human resources, accounts receivable, payable, payroll, new building construction, shipping and receiving, personnel relations, sales management and customer support.  She served on the board of Metrologic until her retirement in 2006. 

Mrs. Knowles is an accomplished artist, creating one-of-a-kind, three-dimensional jewelry and sculpture which are displayed in local galleries and art shows.  As a breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Knowles is active in the American Cancer Society’s Reach for Recovery program working with new breast cancer patients.  Mrs. Knowles has also served on the Board of Trustees of Wheaton Village, a glass museum and teaching center in Millville, New Jersey, and was a member of the Cooper Hospital Auxiliary, a fund raising arm of the Cooper Hospital.