Karen has a BSc (Hons) in Physical Education and Sports Science and MSc in Sports Science from Loughborough University. She is also a CYQ Advanced Gym Instructor, level 3. She lectured in Sports Science for two years before taking up post in 1998 as Physical Education Officer at the University of Cambridge. Now Assistant Director, she is responsible for Sports Facility Management, Human Resources, Website design and management, the Community Sport Projects and Child Protection. She also supports the Director in the Development and marketing of new sports facilities and initiatives.

Karen has been a Fellow of Wolfson College since 2000 and is a member of the Friends of Wolfson Boat Club Committee. She is member of the University Committee on Community Activities and represents the University on a number of external bodies. Karen was also a member of the East Regional Sports Board from 2006 - 2008.

Karen is currently undertaking research, through the Sociology Department, into the Development of Women's Sport at Cambridge University.

Karen has played hockey at National League Level in both France and England and is a qualified and experienced hockey coach. She has also played cricket at National League, County and English Universities levels and has rowed for Wolfson College 1st boat.