M. Elizabeth Karns is a lawyer and epidemiologist. Her teaching is directly connected to her practice, which has focused on statistical evidence, occupational illnesses, assault and harassment injuries, and reproductive harms. Her current work on data science ethics brings together professional practice norms, individual values, and organizational goals.
Karns also works on issues of academic integrity and has developed an educational intervention for students who are found in violation of an institutional code. Her work is being applied in residential and online higher education settings.