Karen Stepanyan

Karen Stepanyan is an Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Information Studies at University College London (UCL). He leads the delivery of Web Technologies (INST0007) and Database Systems (INST0001) modules and has taught various undergraduate and postgraduate courses including Programming 1, Graph Databases, Internet Technologies, and Information Systems. Karen contributed to the development of the BSc Information in Society programme at UCL East.

His academic background includes:

• PhD from Brunel University London (2006-2010)
• MSc in Computer and Information Science from American University of Armenia (2002-2004)
• Diploma equivalent to MSc from Vanadzor State Pedagogical Institute, Armenia (1994-1999)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in HE from Buckinghamshire New University (2009)

Karen's research spans the inter-relation of information technologies and knowledge concepts, with primary interests in Semantic Web technologies and understanding the Social fabric behind the Web using Social Network Analysis. His publication record shows consistent scholarly output from 2007 to 2025, demonstrating an evolving focus from social software integration in education through blogosphere analysis to recent work on self-assessment in technical education and advanced question-answering systems. His work consistently bridges theoretical computer science with practical educational applications.

Professional recognitions:

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE, 2022-present)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2009-2022)

Karen serves as co-Connected Learning Lead for the department, supporting colleagues in leveraging educational technology, and established the DIS Research Ethics Review Panel where he continues to review research ethics applications. His previous academic positions include Head of E-Learning at Bloomsbury Institute (2014-2016), Research Associate at Open University (2014), Research Fellow at University of Warwick (2011-2013), and Associate Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University (2007-2011).