Dr. Karen Coombs
Founder, Coombs Consulting LLC | QA Transformation & AI Governance Advisor | Professor | Author
Technology leader and founder of Coombs Consulting LLC, helping organizations strengthen software quality, manage technology risk, and adopt emerging technologies responsibly.
My doctoral research examined security risks in emerging data infrastructures, including DNA data storage.
My work connects cybersecurity, intelligent system design, and industry practice.
PhD in Information Technology.
Professor teaching cybersecurity, systems analysis, governance, and technology strategy across three universities.
Looking for quality assurance, AI governance, or technology advisory services?
Visit Coombs Consulting LLC → https://www.drkarencoombs.com/consulting
Expertise
Cybersecurity
Research focused on vulnerabilities and threat models in emerging data infrastructures, particularly DNA data storage systems.
AI Systems
Applying artificial intelligence to software quality, system governance, and responsible technology adoption.
Teaching
Professor teaching cybersecurity, systems analysis, governance, and technology strategy across multiple universities.
Research
Research exploring cybersecurity risks in emerging data infrastructures, with a focus on DNA data storage systems and intelligent technologies.
Publication
Notable Achievements
Scholarly Works
Academic Research
Perspectives of Cybersecurity Risks in DNA Data Storage Environment
Publications
Books
Love Yourself and Keep Going: A Journey Through Resilience, Cybersecurity, and DNA Data Storage
Love Yourself and Keep Going: The Transformation to Greatness
Research Citations
Research from Dr. Karen Coombs' work on cybersecurity risks in DNA data storage has been cited in the following academic publications:
David, J. (2024).
Revolutionizing Biomedical Engineering: AI-Driven Medical Devices in Cloud-Based Healthcare Systems
Available at:
Hashmi, T. H., Tang, G., Liu, X., & Zhang, Z. (2025).
Multi-dimensional identity construction and continuous authentication methods, A survey. Journal of Networking and Network Applications.
Available at:
Speaking
Speaking Engagement
Win10X Women in Technology Leadership Speaker Series
Keynote: The Unscripted Journey to Great Leadership
Curriculum Vitae
PhD
Information Technology
Capella University
Doctorate in Information Technology focused on cybersecurity, specifically addressing the vulnerabilities of DNA data storage systems
MBA
Management
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Business Administration with a specialization Management
BS
Computer Information Systems
Florida Gulf Coast University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
Teaching
Academic Positions
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The University of Arizona Global Campus
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Columbia Southern University
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College of Southern Nevada
Currently a professor, engaging with students at three institutions while leading research initiatives in cybersecurity and AI systems.
Systems Analysis & Design | Information Security & Governance | Critical Infrastructure Protection in Cyber Security | Digital Forensics Applications | Cyber Warfare and Application | Vulnerability Assessment and Incident Response | Management Information Systems | New Product Development and Innovation Strategies | Strategic Technology Planning for Organizations
Textbook
Systems Analysis and Design: Building Intelligent and Ethical Systems
Kendall Hunt Publishing | Published 2026
Systems Analysis and Design: Building Intelligent and Ethical Systems guides students through the full Systems Development Life Cycle while integrating artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ethics, and governance into the decisions analysts and development teams make throughout the process. Rather than treating these topics as standalone additions, the text connects foundational systems analysis and design practices with the realities of building and evaluating modern systems.
Through applied activities and an evolving system project, students learn to translate requirements into systems that are functional, secure, responsible, and aligned with organizational needs.
• Learn the full Systems Development Life Cycle, from requirements gathering through maintenance.
• Examine AI, cybersecurity, ethics, and governance as considerations throughout systems analysis and design.
• Apply requirements, modeling, design, testing, and implementation concepts through hands-on practice.
• Develop the judgment needed to evaluate not only whether a system works, but whether it should be built and how it should be governed.
Now available through the publisher and major retailers.