Dr Karen Kozielski

Karen joined CSIRO in early 2002 and has held a number of different roles since then. Her technical background is in physical and materials chemistry with a range of experience in both scientific and commercial research. She graduated from the University of Sussex (UK) with an honours degree in Chemical Physics and a PhD in Epoxy Resin Chemistry for Aerospace Applications. Before migrating to Australia, she worked as an Analytical Research Chemist in the food industry then a Materials Development Chemist for an aerospace company.

After a postdoc at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in modelling of epoxy reactions, Karen spent 6 years working for Wide Bay Water in Queensland, setting up a NATA accredited laboratory, environmental monitoring programs associated with effluent reuse and providing advice on upgrades to the water and sewerage infrastructure. She then worked for the Qld EPA as an Environmental Compliance Officer before joining CSIRO to conduct research on advanced aerospace materials.

Since joining CSIRO she has worked in numerous leadership positions and led several research projects (many with industry partners) including: advanced composites for aerospace, gas hydrates for flow assurance and development of a composite wrap for sub-sea pipeline repair (this project won an international innovation award - JEC Asia 2012). More recently she worked on a commercialisation project to bring the marine anti-biofouling technology (SuricleTM) to market, studying failure in composite pipelines and setting up projects towards sustainable energy.

Currently Karen is Team Leader for the Gas Processing Team in the Energy Business Unit.