Dr. Knabe teaches animal nutrition and swine production courses. His research activities deal primarily with protein and amino acid nutrition of growing swine and the nutritional means of increasing reproductive efficiency in sows.

He has twice received the Outstanding Professor Award from the Texas A&M University Collegiate Chapter of the Future Farmers of America, and he has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Association of Former Students.

Professional memberships include the American Society of Animal Science, Alpha Chi and Gamma Sigma Delta.