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Dr. Karen DeMatteo is a biologist that has used a broad range of techniques to understand basic biology and ecological interactions that occur at both the species and community level. In the US, Karen is a Senior Lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) where she teaches courses on the applications and use of GIS (Geographic Information System) for the Environmental Studies Program. At WashU she also holds a Research Scientist position, which allows her to conduct genetic analyses on the variety of samples she collects during field surveys. Karen also holds a Research Associate position at the WildCare Institute at the Saint Louis Zoo, which provides logistical support for her research; specifically, Proyecto Zorro Pitoco. This project, which is based in Misiones, Argentina, connects her to two Argentinean institutions where she advises multiple undergraduate and graduate students. Karen is a Visiting Research position at Instituto de Biología Subtropical (IBS) – nodo Posadas and Grupo de Investigación en Genetica Aplicada (GIGA), which allows training for students in genetic techniques. She is also a Post-Graduate Professor in the Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Químicas y Naturales (FCEQyN) at the Universidad Nacional de Misiones, where she teaches various GIS courses and connects to students interested in hands-on training in field techniques.

Karen is a co-Director of Proyecto Zorro Pitoco, which is a collaborative, multipronged project that uses a bottom-up approach with the goal to stop the loss of native forest, protect watersheds, promote reforestation, improve human health, and ensure long-term survival of the region’s unique flora and fauna. In addition to this research focused at conserving one of the largest fragments of Atlantic forest, she is involved with directing hands-on training courses with Argentinean students, securing the participation of private landowners in the biological corridor, and supporting the anti-poaching efforts of provincial park guards.