Karen Perez

Karen Perez is an experienced Aerospace Engineer currently employed at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since December 2011, working in the Office of Commercial Space Transportation. In this role, Karen supports safety evaluations and inspections for commercial space launch operations, focusing on compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Additional responsibilities include performing flight safety analyses, developing guidance products, and serving as a liaison for the ATO Voluntary Safety Reporting Program, addressing safety issues within the National Airspace System. Previous internships at the FAA involved supporting air safety initiatives, while earlier experience includes a federal internship with the US Forest Service, conducting research on wildfire smoke plumes, and mentoring students through the America Reads program. Karen holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Miami, earned in 2011.