Karen Krupen
   Board Member
    Secretary
    Foster Guardian

For as far back as she can remember, animals have influenced the life of Karen Krupen. She initially planned to be a veterinarian, majoring in biology and pre-med at New York University where she received a Bachelor of Arts. When Karen realized the difficulty of entering veterinary medicine after college, she continued her studies in the life sciences, completing a Masters of Science from New York University and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Columbia University in immunology and biochemistry.

After completing post doctoral studies in immunology and molecular biology at the University of Texas in Houston, Karen reapplied to veterinary school at Texas A&M and to her surprise was accepted. But by this time, Karen's interests had broadened and she wanted to apply her life science training beyond the laboratory as a veterinarian scientist.

After learning about the U.S. Patent Office needing patent examiners with her expertise, Karen realized a new path for herself if she furthered her studies in law. Karen joined the U.S. Patent Office and simultaneously went to law school in the evenings at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Karen is a successful biotechnology patent attorney, currently employed at a New Jersey pharmaceutical company. She remains devoted to sharing with others the rewards of animal ownership. Besides the unconditional love that a pet provides its owner, pets help people enjoy the little things in life and things we just take for granted.

Karen is the owner of two cats, Spuds and Maxi, both of questionable origin, one Welsh Corgi, Sassy, that was rescued from a breeder who was over breeding her, and a Jack Russell, Royce, that she adopted from Animal Alliance. Karen enjoys fostering cats and dogs for Animal Alliance, participating in fund raising activities, and was a major contributor in making Animal Alliance a legally registered non-profit organization.