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Karen Livesey
Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Newcastle, Australia until January 2026.
Honorary Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Associate Professor Adjoint of Physics at University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, USA.
Chair, NSW branch of the Australian Institute of Physics (2026-27).
Living on Awabakal land, NSW, Australia
I was the first in my family to graduate from high school. I had a passion for physics and studied at the University of Western Australia, earning BSc and PhD degrees.
I create mathematical models to explain the behaviour of magnetic nanoparticles and ultra-thin magnetic films. These tiny materials are useful for medical and computing applications. My work took me to the United States as a postdoctoral researcher, then Assistant Professor and finally an Associate Professor of Physics. During that time, I honed my skills as a physics educator.
After almost 10 happy years at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs, I returned to Australia in 2020. I work at the University of Newcastle as an Associate Professor. I am leaving UON in January 2026.
I am an award-winning educator, speaker and researcher. You can read about some of my awards here. My upcoming events are here.
In 2026-27, I am serving as Chair of the NSW branch of the Australian Institute of Physics. I am an honorary Associate Professor at both the University of Wollongong and at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs.
This website details some of my activities. Get in touch if you would like a speaker, consultant, interviewee or someone to provide expert advice. I run workshops on communication and teaching.
I am proud to coordinate the national Marie Curie lectures (formerly Women in Physics tour) since 2024. I volunteer at parkrun, the Newcastle Fringe Festival, Pint of Science, and at junior sports.
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