Dr. Karen Richardson Soons
Karen Richardson Soons. received a PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology in 1987 from the University of Connecticut. She was
a postdoctoral fellow from 1987 through 1990 at the University of Connecticut Health Center in the departments of
Pharmacology and Cardiology. In 1991, she moved to the Burlington, Vermont area and became the Associate Director
of Research for the Department of Family Practice, University of Vermont College of Medicine. Karen became the Director
of Research in 1992 and currently still holds that position. She is also on the President's Commission for the Status
of Women at the University and the Women's Liaison Officer between the UVM College of Medicine and the Association
of American Medical Colleges. Soons is also advisor to a Women's Medical Student Mentoring Program and a member/mentor
of the Lake Champlain Chapter of 
AWIS.
As Director of Research her responsibilities are varied. She conducts research projects on various health care issues:
HIV/AIDS, otitis media, domestic violence and women's issues. Karen serves as an advisor for medical students and
residents to help them plan, implement, analyze and disseminate research projects. She also works together with the
College of Medicine's Dean's Office to help in the evaluation of many medical school programs.
She is the mother of two young men, ages 7 and 10. Her hobbies include horseback riding,
gardening, bike riding, hiking and skiing.
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