Karen Shirer, Ph.D.

Karen Shirer, Ph.D.

Karen Shirer has over 45 years of experience as an educator, manager, researcher, and administrator for family and consumer sciences programs in both formal and non-formal settings. She served as the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development Associate Dean for twelve years. Her research interests focus on at-risk and low-income families and family life education. She has a strong interest and expertise in participatory processes for planning, implementing, and developing community-based educational programs and services. Dr. Shirer earned a Ph.D. in Family and Consumer and Sciences Education at Iowa State University. Her dissertation focused on community needs assessment as a resource for health planning in rural areas. Her areas of focus include adult learning, family demographics, health promotion, coparenting education, balancing work and family. Karen is a member of OneOp Family Transitions team. She is the parent of two adult daughters, a grandmother, a spouse, and a cancer survivor.

Twitter: @shirer4FD

LinkedIn: karenshirer