Her current research includes a project on occupational succession in rural families (which involves a documentary and photography component) and another on the intersections of citizenship, the work ethic and employment in rural places. Her past research includes studies of marginalized young people in Ottawa, youth outmigration from Atlantic Canada, precarious employment, intergenerational relations at work, and the meaning and measurement of 'productivity' in Canada. Karen serves on the advisory board of the Centre for Local Prosperity and was a founding member of Basic Income Nova Scotia.