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Cory Knop is a leading figure in astronomical instrumentation, whose career has been defined by a deep engagement with the engineering challenges of large telescope design. His most recognized work centers on the evolution of the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT), a facility that served as a critical testbed for technologies now standard in modern observatories. Knop’s seminal paper, “The new MMT” (2004, 13 citations), documents the MMT’s transformation from a pioneering, segmented-mirror design into a single 6.5-meter primary, a conversion that validated key concepts for the next generation of 8-10 meter class telescopes. His contributions are foundational to understanding how early innovations in active optics and lightweight mirror technology were proven and scaled. While his citation count reflects a focused, technical audience, Knop’s work is highly influential among engineers and astronomers who study the practical history of telescope development. His research provides a crucial bridge between the experimental facilities of the late 20th century and the giant observatories of today, cementing his legacy as a key architect of modern astronomical infrastructure.