Karen’s research interests span gender, politics, and public policy. Her research training in political science has been strengthened by her experience of undertaking policy-relevant research in a range of disciplines. 

Karen is passionate about undertaking useful and policy-relevant research, completing projects for different government departments and policy audiences (ranging from UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to Department for International Development). Karen has principally been involved in undertaking evidence mapping (describing a research field) and qualitative and quantitative synthesis (drawing together the findings from multiple studies). Most recently, Karen has contributed to the research programme that underpins the What Work’s Centre for Crime Reduction, specialising in reviews on domestic violence and diversion of people with mental health issues.

Karen is the founder of the Women’s Writing Collective (an informal and friendly network that promotes and supports women’s writing) and seeks to respond to gender inequalities in higher education through research and action.