For more than ten years Karen has been a senior academic in higher education as course leader, senior lecturer and course coordinator across masters, undergraduate and foundation programmes encompassing fashion marketing, design, textiles and theory.

Leveraging substantial professional expertise in the fashion sector and a master's degree with distinction in marketing communications practice, Karen combines industry experience with academic research to share and collaborate with students and colleagues. Recently appointed as co-lead of the faculty wide research and innovation group Creative Pedagogies, Karen is currently immersed in pursuing a PhD by publication, with her dedication to advancing knowledge future facing.

With a strategic focus on fostering student success, her approach involves considerate design, where she contextualises contemporary fashion issues, theory and research while delivering impactful educational experiences. Additionally, Karen actively contributes to contemporary knowledge and expertise in design, communications, and media through creative and innovative research initiatives.