Karen Kashmanian Oates
A nationally recognized scientist, science educator, and higher education leader, Karen is Professor of Arts and Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Before joining WPI as the Peterson Family Dean of Arts and Sciences, Karen was the deputy director for the Division of Undergraduate studies at the National Science Foundation (NSF). At the NSF, Karen managed a budget of over $380 million and a staff of more than 35 charged with supporting innovative programs to strengthen undergraduate education and help revitalize American entrepreneurship and competitiveness. A biochemist, her early research focused on various chemical and biological aspects of breast cancer and biologic therapies for cancer. After receiving her Ph.D. at George Washington Medical Center in Biochemistry, she worked as a visiting scientist at the National Institutes of Health’s Oncology and Hematology Division. She then began her academic career at George Mason University, where, as associate dean for the new College of Integrated and Interdisciplinary Studies, she helped create George Mason’s New American College environment. She later served as inaugural provost for Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where she established NCSCE with David Burns. She has served as a Eurasia Specialist with USAID/HED (Higher Education for Development) and participated routinely in global research and education initiatives. In recognition of their founding of SENCER, Karen and Wm. David Burns received the 2008 Bruce Albert Award for excellence in science education.