Karen is an engineering physicist, her research is internationally recognised through publications in high impact journals across several disciplines. She is educated with BSc (Hons) Physics, MSc (Merits) High Power radio Frequency Engineering and a PhD in space beam-wave interaction Physics.
It is important to Karen to encourage and inspire the younger generation and women to follow their ambitions in STEM. She has acted as a departmental representative for an Athena Swan Board. She has also had the opportunity to give motivational talks to women who are studying for PhDs in robotics (WiRe) and was the launch coordinator for the Molly Fergusson Initiative, at the University of Edinburgh, which has the aim of promoting the community and visibility of women in Engineering. She was the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Chair for 5th IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics 2022.
The National Robotarium is always considering the future of robotics and its integration into our society. It is a world-leading centre that strives to have impact on society through the development and adoption of robotic solutions, with collaborations across academia and industry around the world.
I am an APMP, Prince II and Agile certified Project Manager with 17 years’ experience in project delivery. I have a degree in mechanical engineering, experience in design, assembly, test, and installation of electro-hydraulic equipment in offshore environments. I also have software development skills and have worked on commercial web and mobile development projects both as engineer and project manager.
Every project is different, and it is exciting to be at the cutting edge of technology helping industry adoption. It is also very rewarding to work on projects that have a positive social impact.
I am a Project Manager with experience in controlling advanced technology and engineering refurbishment projects within a diverse portfolio. I have an MA Business and Management (with honours) from the University of Glasgow and I am APM PMQ qualified. I am currently managing a portfolio of robotics and AI projects at The National Robotarium. I specialise in advanced agile project management within software projects and applications and have a special interest in the renewable energy sector. I am also a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honours Society.
we all have to opportunity to work on such a diverse range of innovative projects with novel applications, and hopefully make a difference to society.
I have 9+ years of working with industry and academia in various roles. Successfully managed and executed projects using effective approaches and resource management strategies. Additionally, I hold qualifications in ILM levels 3 and 5 and currently pursuing my APM qualifications.
Outside of work, I keep busy playing a variety of sports and braving the Scottish weather to tick off my Munro list.
I really enjoy working at The National Robotarium, not only is the architecture of the building impressive, but the wide array of projects that come through its doors is truly exciting. This diversity allows me to engage in projects spanning across every sector, giving me the opportunity to see firsthand the profound impact and societal benefits that Robotics and AI can bring.
Robotics at:
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK EH14 4AS
+44 (0)131 449 5111
Scottish registered charity number SC000278
Robotics at:
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH8 9YL
+44 (0)131 650 1000
Scottish registered charity number SC005336
