Karen McFarlane Holman Ph.D.

“Professor by day, punk rocker by night” is how I’ve been described, with good reason. Since the 1990s I’ve maintained my two life passions – science and music – by establishing myself as a tenured chemistry professor and a professional rock musician. I research metals for applications in sustainable fuels and medicine and I’ve played in over ten different bands in Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Salem, OR (still to this day).

I adore sharing my ideas and music, which has led to thousands of lectures, speeches, interviews, radio programs, podcasts, videos, rock concerts, albums, and presentations on four continents. I’ve given three TEDx talks, two that are based on my scientific research, and in the other I reflect on “The Remarkable Impact of Hobbies on Career.”

I want to leave this world better for me having been here. I’m the Founder of KMUZ-FM, the first community radio station in the capital city of Oregon, and I’ve served on several Boards of Directors of nonprofit organizations. My love of science and empowering young humans led me to mentor girls in Saudi Arabia and I established Science Rockstar Kids during the onset of the pandemic.

How about you? What is your mission, and does it resonate with any of my projects? If so, please reach out and connect. I’d love to hear from you!