Karen Oberhauser has conducted research on several aspects of monarch butterfly ecology using traditional lab and field techniques, as well as the contributions of citizen scientists. She has also developed a science education program focused on ecology and insect conservation that is used throughout the U.S. Additionally, Oberhauser has authored over 90 papers on monarchs, insect conservation, and citizen science. She is a co-chair of the Monarch Joint Venture Steering Committee and a founding officer of the Monarch Butterfly Fund. In 2013, Karen received a White House Champion of Change award for her work with Citizen Science.