Dr Karen Mooney

Dr. Karen is a dynamic and passionate speaker, science teacher and entrepreneur, with expertise in aquatic ecosystem research, teaching science across all ages and inspiring people to see that science is for everyone.

Dr. Karen Mooney is a scientist specialising in freshwater and marine systems and sustainable development. She graduated from Queen's University Belfast with a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology in 2007 and a PhD in Environmental Ecotoxicology in 2011. Her research has been featured on regional and international radio, New Scientist magazine and on ITV primetime with Christine Bleakley .

Dr. Karen spent 10 years working in public sector research and education at Edinburgh Napier University and Queen's University Belfast. In Queen’s she ran the largest seaweed farm in the UK for bioenergy research. She has coordinated large multinational research projects, and national statutory programmes for numerous stakeholders spanning the private, public and third sectors. The best bit – travelling around the world to collaborate and share research with scientists in industry and academia alike.

As a STEM Ambassador for over 20 years, Dr. Karen decided to branch out of academic research to focus on her two main loves in life: STEM engagement and advocating for women in science. In 2020 she established The Science Room, an education and science consultancy based on making science accessible to everyone.

Alongside FE teaching and tuition, she hosts regular Ask A Scientist session on social media, interviews with fellow scientists on YouTube and writes the science column in NI4Kids family magazine. She still does freelance science research and consulting, and is a member of the prestigious Lindemann Committee, funding research across physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering.

Dr. Karen loves all aspects of science and offers a variety of talks. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker, with infectious enthusiasm for science and passion in her beliefs that science is for everyone. Science topics are focused around biology (human and environmental), climate change, sustainable development, how to think like a scientist and develop critical thinking skills.

STEM talks include STEM careers and pathways, women in science, her own personal journey through science, motherhood and entrepreneurship, why failing is vital to building perseverance and resilience. Dr. Karen uses lots of examples from her own research and field work, including driving a speedboat, rainforest and dive surveys in Tobago and processing seaweed in the Faroe Islands to show how someone who struggled to find her place can create her own space with lots of adventures along the way.