Karen is instrumental in introducing new design research processes, curriculum and vision-casting projects with numerous sponsors including Microsoft, Nike, Vodafone and Nestle.  She created the strategy for CMTEL in partnership with the former Nokia design team and continues to develop unique educational programs around material exploration and trend monitoring as well as launching the new “Wearables + Soft Goods” concentration in the product design program. Karen developed and launched the innovative project model DesignStorms® (3-day creative immersions with ArtCenter faculty and students) collaborating with partners such as Adidas, Volkswagen, Disney and Eastman Innovation Lab exploring future market opportunities and emerging technologies.

Karen co-leads the innovative study abroad program with INSEAD International Business School and a co-creator of ArtCenter’s executive education programming focusing on design-driven workshops and creative leadership seminars.  With degrees in psychology and product design, Karen’s expertise is in design research, strategy and insights. She spent several years at Johnson Controls Automotive Systems Group in Advanced Design and Research and for the last decade has been teaching and consulting.