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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

Microbiology
Immunology
Genetics
Vaccine and Diagnostic Development and Commercialization
Lab Techniques
Wine Analysis and Production

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Published Content
Total: 233
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.
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.
A “Losing” Proposition: Tackling the Problem of Lost or Unrecovered Analytes in Chromatography content piece image
Industry Insight

A “Losing” Proposition: Tackling the Problem of Lost or Unrecovered Analytes in Chromatography

Liquid chromatography has proven to be an invaluable tool in analytical labs. However, despite being a “mature” technique, there are still some areas that prove problematic, leading to suboptimal results. One such area is the loss of analytes during the chromatographic process, but design innovations are aiming to overcome this problem.
Overcoming Challenges in PFAS Detection content piece image
Article

Overcoming Challenges in PFAS Detection

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) became popular due to their many beneficial properties. Unfortunately, these substances were subsequently found to have downsides too. In this article, we hear about the hazards posed by PFAS and the detection challenges faced by analysts.
A Leading Voice for T-Cell Expertise During COVID-19 and Beyond content piece image
Article

A Leading Voice for T-Cell Expertise During COVID-19 and Beyond

The unprecedented scale of global scientific collaboration, including the establishment of expert consortia, has played an important part in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. We spoke to Professor Danny Altmann, chair of the Global T cell Expert Consortium (GTEC) about the role that T cells have in viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and what GTEC is hoping to achieve.
Kombucha Inspires Creation of a Microbial “Living Material” content piece image
News

Kombucha Inspires Creation of a Microbial “Living Material”

Scientists have created a “living material” made from microbes that can respond to stimuli from their surrounding environment. It is hoped the material could find diverse applications in contaminant detection, highlighting damage, for example, to packaging, delivering nutrients or therapeutics and even in creating living photographs.
Top 5 Non-COVID-19 Stories of 2020 From Microbiology content piece image
Listicle

Top 5 Non-COVID-19 Stories of 2020 From Microbiology

In the field of microbiology, COVID-19 has very much stolen the show this year. However, despite media attention and resources being poured into understanding and combatting SARS-CoV-2, there have still been some exciting developments in microbiology. In this list we take a look at five of the most read non-COVID-19 microbiology news stories of 2020.
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