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A picture of Karen Steward, PhD

Karen Steward, PhD profile page

Senior Scientific Specialist

 at Technology Networks


After completing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in 2006, Karen became a research scientist at the Animal Health Trust, UK. During her time there, she completed a PhD in molecular microbiology and evolutionary genetics in partnership with the University of Cambridge and went on to hold a post-doctoral position. Her research focused on the fundamental biology of infectious diseases, outbreak analysis and the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays. In 2017 she left the lab to pursue a career in science communication. As senior scientific specialist, Karen employs her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to coordinate and create a range of scientific content, tools and resources for the site, lead and innovate interdepartmental projects and provide scientific support across the teams.


Education


University of Cambridge  

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)  


Awards & Certifications


National Finalist in Biotechnology Young Entrepreneur Scheme

Walter and Dorothy Plowright Memorial Prize for Young Researchers, 2nd

National Finalist in SET for Britain


Accreditations


Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trained

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - Distinction recognised by Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

Natural Sciences, BA (Hons), MA recognised by University of Cambridge

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) recognised by University of Cambridge

Member recognised by American Society for Microbiology

Member recognised by Microbiology Society

Member recognised by The Veterinary Research Club


Areas of Expertise



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Published Content
Total: 238
PFAS Detection content piece image
Infographic

PFAS Detection

Download this infographic to learn what per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are, why, despite their useful properties, they have become a concern for human health and the environment and the techniques used to detect them.
Techniques in Wine Analysis content piece image
Listicle

Techniques in Wine Analysis

Download this listicle to learn about the wine analysis techniques used in the vineyard, after harvest, for contaminant detection and to determine authenticity.
Gas Chromatography content piece image
Article

Gas Chromatography

In this article, we bring together resources from the across the site on gas chromatography, how it works, its pairing with downstream techniques and what its applications are.
Microplastic Analysis and the Future Detection Landscape content piece image
Industry Insight

Microplastic Analysis and the Future Detection Landscape

The full impact that microplastics have on health and the environment is still not well understood, however, mounting evidence regarding their negative effects has made microplastics a topic of interest for scientists, governments and regulatory bodies. We spoke to Kathleen A. Young about microplastics detection techniques and technologies, the importance of standards and how regulations may come to fruition in the years to come.
The Evolving Problem of Microplastics in a PPE Era content piece image
Industry Insight

The Evolving Problem of Microplastics in a PPE Era

Microplastics are now ubiquitous in our lives and environment. To compound the problem, the advent of COVID-19 has seen uptake of single-use plastics in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) skyrocket. We spoke to Kathleen A. Young about how the microplastics issue has evolved in light of COVID-19, particularly around PPE waste and what gains are being made in the areas of testing and analysis standards.
A Step in the Right Direction for Dioxin Detection content piece image
Industry Insight

A Step in the Right Direction for Dioxin Detection

To detect, quantify and ultimately instigate remedial action in relation to dioxin contamination, scientists require suitable analytical tools and techniques. The USEPA recently approved a new dioxin testing method which could assist these efforts. We spoke to Frank L. Dorman, PhD, FRSC, about the hazards posed by dioxins, challenges in their identification and the future detection landscape.
Leveraging Pseudoviruses in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic content piece image
Article

Leveraging Pseudoviruses in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The incredible efforts of scientists and public health agencies worldwide in response to SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in the emergency use authorization and rapid deployment of antibody-based countermeasures, including therapies and vaccines. Their effectiveness is typically measured in a neutralization assay, however, biosafety restrictions make working with SARS-CoV-2 challenging. We take a look at how pseudovirus may offer an alternative tool.
A section of a circular visualization of a genome sequencing map
Article

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Definition and Overview

Explore the key advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS), from technology to real-world clinical and research applications in genomics.
An Automated Age for Western Blotting content piece image
Industry Insight

An Automated Age for Western Blotting

Western blotting has been a core technique in molecular biology for many years, however, optimization and reproducibility can be problematic. We spoke to Dr Alexandre Lucas about the automation of western blotting and the difference this advance is making to research.
Antimicrobial Resistance content piece image
Article

Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms to resist the killing capacity of antimicrobial drugs, a worryingly increasing problem. This article explores the science behind AMR, factors promoting its spread and techniques to detect it. Looking to the future, ways to combat AMR and alternatives to antimicrobials are discussed.
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