Karen Nelson serves as the dean and faculty of Architecture at the Boston Architectural College. Her journey with the BAC began in 1994, where she immersed herself in teaching design studios, later expanding to theory seminars and faculty development courses. Karen’s professional experience includes practicing architecture with a focus on diverse projects such as housing for individuals with AIDS in New York City, educational buildings in Massachusetts, and various commercial developments. Her teaching and practice are enriched by her avid interests in contemporary art and architecture, landscape architecture, and linguistics. In recognition of her commitment to student success, Karen was honored with the Edmund C. Toomey Award for Student Advocacy in 2011. The following year, in collaboration with colleagues Tina Blythe and Len Charney, she secured an NCARB grant to investigate Collaborative Global Practice. Further broadening her teaching repertoire, Karen contributed as adjunct faculty to the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design from 1995 to 2012. Holding a Master of Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from MIT, Karen has melded her academic credentials with a robust leadership approach. As a dean, she fosters a collaborative team culture, mentors peers and staff to enhance their strengths, and aligns these talents with the strategic objectives of the institution. Her knack for fundraising has notably advanced the college’s nascent research endeavors through innovative exhibits and grants. Karen steers the most diverse School of Architecture on the east coast, employing her extensive experience to tackle projects ranging from sustainability to health and acting as a passionate ambassador for the college. Her leadership is characterized by the ability to synthesize and implement change collaboratively, and her interdisciplinary prowess facilitates the creation of new connections within the academic and professional realms of architecture.