As the NREL Bioenergy Science & Technology directorate research operations director, Karen Kuoppala is responsible for ensuring facilities, equipment, and documentation are research ready. She ensures the safe conduct of research through the implementation of the safety envelope and acts as the primary point of contact for research and research support organizations. She also participates in strategic planning for the directorate.

Karen received Bachelor of Arts degrees in chemistry and geology from the University of Colorado. Karen joined NREL in 2015, most recently serving as the research operations manager for the NREL Mechanical and Thermal Engineering Sciences directorate. She has an extensive background in laboratory safety, quality, and program compliance. She also has experience working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund and Technical Assistance and Response Team, where she became familiar with emergency preparedness and response.

Education

B.A., Chemistry, University of Colorado

B.A., Geology, University of Colorado