Karen Schnell, PhD, Adjunct Professor in the Master in Cybersecurity Program at Duke University, is an industry and academic Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information technology, data protection, privacy, public policy, and business. With extensive experience across corporate, governmental, and higher‑education sectors, she is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders through rigorous, future‑focused teaching and program development.

Guided by deep curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, teaching, and ethical leadership, Schnell designs courses, programs, workshops, and policy initiatives that address state‑of‑the‑art technologies—including cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning—and their impact on today’s and tomorrow’s business and societal landscapes. Her work emphasizes ethics, compassion, and humanity as essential pillars of technological advancement.

Through research, peer‑reviewed publications, and presentations at professional workshops and conferences, she contributes to the broader academic and industry dialogue on emerging technologies. Her goal is to enrich both society and organizational practice by bringing real‑world insights into the classroom, the boardroom, and the policy arena.