Dr. Karen Purcell was born and educated in Troy, NY. She obtained her Bachelor's in Biology from Pace University, Pleasantville Campus. She then spent a year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute working on a masters in molecular biology, as librarian at WRPI, the campus radio station, and in the box office at RPI Players. She graduated with the Class of ’92 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, the only veterinary school in the United States with a theatre troupe. Dr. Purcell has worked as an associate veterinarian in several states. Recently, she signed a contract for a permanent position in Roxboro, North Carolina. In her spare time (hah!), Dr. Karen spent many years wearing various hats at Arisia, the large regional SF convention in the northeast. She has also helped on various Worldcons and costuming endeavors. he is attempting to become active in southeast fandom. Dr. Purcell currently lives with her husband Denis, 2 dogs and 2 cats.