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 Deputy Director, her key areas of work include the development and implementation of the Strategy for Sport and Physical Activity; Student wellbeing; governance; and Human Resource management. She also supports the Director in the development of new sports facilities and initiatives and represents the Sports Service on a number of University Committees. 

During her time at the University, Karen has completed secondments as Acting Director of Resources and Administration (Institute of Continuing Education) and a Senior Assistant Registrary (Academic Division).

Karen has been a Fellow of Wolfson College since 2000 and enjoys participating in a range of College Committees and events. 

Karen has played hockey at National League Level in both France and England. She has also played cricket at County and English Universities levels and rowed for her College 1st boat. Having retired from competitive sport, Karen continues to run regularly. She also volunteers for the East of England Ambulance Service and local running activities/events.