Karen Nelson in

Karen Nelson

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Chief Scientific Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific
📍 Rockville, Maryland, United States

Karen Nelson is the Chief Scientific Officer at Thermo Fisher Scientific, specializing in microbial genomics and metagenomics. An elected member of the National Academy of Sciences, she previously served as President of the J. Craig Venter Institute, where she led the first human microbiome study. She holds a Ph. D. from Cornell University.

Originally from Jamaica, Karens interest in the natural world began at a young age, initially sparking a desire to become a veterinarian before she was captivated by microbiology in college. She enjoys the outdoors and exploring the wonders of nature.

Unique fact: Karen was named one of biotechnologys "leading lights" in Scientific Americans 2015 "The Worldview 100".

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Experience
14 Years
Current Role
Chief Scientific Officer
Job Level
Leadership
Location
Rockville, Maryland, United States
Personality Overview

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Communication Style
Decision Approach
Work Preference

Behavioral traits and communication patterns that shape how this person evaluates opportunities, builds trust, and makes decisions in professional settings.

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Priorities

Topics Karen cares about

Human Microbiome
A pioneer in the field, she led the first human metagenomics study in 2006 and her current research focuses on the microbiome's impact on health and disease.
Genomic Research
Has extensive experience in microbial genomics, microbial physiology, and metagenomics, authoring over 230 peer-reviewed publications on the subjects.
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Career

Work history

7-2021
Chief Scientific Officer
Thermo Fisher Scientific
4-2014 - 2018
Head Microbiome Program
Human Longevity, Inc.
2012 - 7-2021
President
J. Craig Venter Institute
12-2009 - 9-2012
Director
J. Craig Venter Institute
7-2021
President
J. Craig Venter Institute
In the press

Media appearances

Science With a Twist podcast – featuring Karen Nelson, Chief Scientific Officer, Thermo Fisher Scientific. Featured in Instagram
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Innovation Driven by Science and Purpose – Perspectives (Thermo Fisher). Featured in Thermo Fisher Scientific (Corporate website)
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Education
Ph.D.
Cornell University
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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