Courses taught at Swarthmore
- BIOL002 Organismal and Population Biology
- BIOL028 Global Change Biology
- BIOL039 Marine Biology
- BIOL042 Climate Change Science and Communication
- BIOL139 Global Ocean Change Biology
Other courses previously taught
- Larval Ecology (FSH538), University of Washington, Summer 2022
- HKUST courses (2014-2018):
- Ocean Science (ENVS2003)
- Biodiversity (LIFS2060)
- Ecology (LIFS3160)
- Introduction to Sustainability (SUST 1000)
- Science of Gastronomy (SCI3150)
- Larval Ecology, WHOI/MIT Joint Program, Fall 2013
- Field Methods in Oceanography, University of Washington, Spring 2012
- Scientific Methods in Practice, University of Washington, Spring 2011
Larval Ecology Class in Friday Harbor Labs
Communicating Science with the public
Karen is involved with various efforts to promote science literacy. For example, some of her research has been summarized in comics form by the talented Michelle Weirathmuller, a fellow UW Oceanography student.
Karen is also actively involved with the groups show below:
National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI)
As a NOCCI Science Fellow, Karen has contributed towards training informal science educators to understand scientific concepts behind ocean and climate change. She is also involved in encouraging scientists to form networks with social scientists and educators to develop best practices that will impart social changes.
Consortium for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE)
(Formerly known as Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence)
As a scientist participant, Karen has both attended and help lead COSEE workshops and contributed lessons towards the Best of COSEE-Hands on activities. She is also involved with the establishment of COSEE-China.
Independent Generation of Research (iGOR)
Serving as one of the science experts, Karen is encouraging a new renaissance in which everyone can contribute original research.
K-12 classroom involvements and professional development for teachers
Together with GK12 fellows at the University of Washington and in-service teachers, Karen developed modules for K-12 classrooms. They have been published as the American Biology Teacher and Best of COSEE-Hands on activities. She has also led professional development workshops for teachers through National Science Teachers Association.
Team Puffin 2011 (Karen was a science judge, technical consultant and question writer) for the National Ocean Science Bowl)
Karen also volunteered for the Seattle Aquarium for years. She was lucky enough to have witness the birth of the sea otter Seiku.
You can still watch them in action here.