Karen graduated in Marine Biology in 2002 from the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS) and has a Master’s degree from the same institution (2008). She worked on a sea turtle research project with the Brazilian NGO TAMAR in the States of Bahia, Sergipe, and Espíritu Santo, from January to April 2006, where she participated in training in sea turtles monitoring techniques, environmental education, and community integration. She founded and currently directs the Sea Turtle Nesting Conservation and Protection Project in San Juan de Los Planes, Baja California Sur, which celebrates its 17th year of conservation efforts. She is currently focusing on projects that offer activities that improve social and environmental aspects within local communities through the involvement of local community partners. In 2009 she joined the Mexican NGO Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias, A.C, where she coordinated various sea turtle nesting sites until 2013 when she became Executive Director.