Karen started out as a forest engineer, but gradually became more and more interested in population and conservation genetics. Initially, the focus of my genetic research was on tree species, such as black alder and elm trees, with adaptation and hybridisation as main topics. Later on, populations of animal species, mostly amphibians and mammals, were the subject of her studies. Karen's current work focuses primarily on the evaluation of the genetic status of populations and on how the surroundings and landscape influence the genetic composition of these populations. The goal is to translate acquired insights into management measures to help maintain current and future populations.