Karen Huchins

Karen’s has over 15 years experience within Space Market in particular within the National and International Earth Observation sector. An excellent communicator with a good science background, Karen has proven in depth project management skills, demonstrable in particular on many BNSC programmes combining scientists, customer and industry. Karen has worked for several key EO companies in marketing, science and technology, project management and divisional management roles. Having gained a Degree in Applied Science and a Masters in Applied Remote Sensing Karen worked with British Petroleum Remote Sensing, progressing to NRSC (now Infoterra Ltd) and Science Systems (Space) Ltd. Karen is currently an associate consultant for Tri Polus. Karen’s has specialist experience in the management of BNSC contracts, in particular in the management and integration of science, industry and customer personnel; which requires negotiation and clear understanding of all aspects of the work, from all view points. Most importantly Karen is able to consistently progress a clear line of strategic planning, unambiguous reporting and customer friendly recommendations in deciding/determining a forward approach. Some of Karen’s relevant portfolio of project management activities include:

ADP2 – Managed the second Application Development Programme over two years. The work involved placing contracts, and managing 8 separate contractors (plus partners) diverse EO projects, utilising 8 other expert scientists with independent judgement, releasing payments to the contractors, assisting the contractors with project, planning and marketing skills, reporting and making recommendations to BNSC monthly, quarterly and annually, also presenting annually to BNSC and industry.

Space Technology Foresight – River Level Monitoring using GPS project.

Assessment of UK Potential for Commercial Exploitation of Envisat data (subcontractor).

PDS and ERS-2 – Post Development Services contract to raise the level of functionality on the delivered ERS-1 Ground Segment, additionally modifications to enable ERS-2 dual operation. Later also securing the Envisat PAC contract.

Karen has participated in many of the key trade organisations of the Industry including BARSC and UKISC, but also with science working groups such as ATSR and Altimeter. Other senior roles previously held include Honorary Treasurer of the Remote Sensing Society, and qualified membership of the Association of the Project Managers.