Summary

A senior lecturer and course leader of MA Fashion Marketing (a cross-collaborative initiative in the Faculty of the Creative and Cultural Industries and the Faculty of Business and Law) Karen is co lead of the interdisiplinary 'Creative Pedgagogies' research group and a member of 'Fashion, Textiles and Material Futures' both in the Faculty of the Creative and Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth, UK.

Karen combines her fashion industry experience with business-aligned strategic approaches and innovative pedagogy in higher education. She is widely engaged in HE quality assurance processes including external examining, re-validation, periodic reviews, learning and teaching, assessment, diversity, equality and inclusion with a strong focus on graduate employability and is currently an academic representative on the University of Portsmouth's academic council.

Research interests

Karen’s research interests stem from a lifelong interest in considerate design combined with an educational interest in developing a creative conscience in relation to fashion innovation and production, manufacture, marketing and the supply chain. With a keen eye on the strategic trends of the future, including the circular economy, ethics and identity, sustainable development and behavioural sciences.

As well as 'Creative Pedgagogy' and 'Fashion, Textiles and Material Futures' research interests Karen was a founding member of the research group AUB Human at the Arts University Bournemouth and is a regular reviewer for the Journal of Global Fashion Marketing. 

Teaching responsibilities

A senior academic with responsibilities as course leader, academic counsellor and personal tutor teaching BA and MA Fashion Marketing with specialisms in fashion branding, marketing and communication, contextual studies/dissertation and industry practice. And a background teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate fashion design, textiles and marketing/communication courses.

With substantial professional knowledge and experience in fashion design and product development Karen has been able to implement a combination of experience in the fashion industry with academic research supporting industry practice and graduate experience; sharing contemporary knowledge and expertise in circularity and sustainable design, contextualising current fashion theory and developing creativity and innovation supporting student success.