Karen primarily studied the intersections of social theory, law, religion, and race, and she authored a graduating thesis on the socio-political effect of religious architecture in American courtrooms. In addition, Karen is a Jefferson Scholar, an Echols Scholar, a member of the Dean’s List, the 2024 National Mock Trial Champion, and the Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for the University Guide Service. 

Before joining Kostelanetz, Karen was a member of the mock trial team at UVA, primarily competing as the Opening Attorney on both the prosecution/plaintiff and the defense. In her time as a mock trial competitor, Karen served on the Executive Board, was awarded two All-American attorney awards, and won the 2024 National Championship. In addition, she was the acting Probationary Chair for the University Guide Service where she dedicated her historical studies to researching UVA and Charlottesville history to train another generation of guides to tell a more complete and inclusive history of the University. 

Outside of Mock Trial and UGS, Karen also served on committees for student leaders dedicated to distributing resources to underserved communities, university staff, and marginalized student organizations. Additionally, she worked with community organizers and marginalized students to alter inequitable University policies, acted as a student facilitator in the Darden Business School, and conducted research on both the local and international level. Karen has also worked in offices like the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Virginia and the Trinity College Research in Social Sciences lab in Dublin.