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Karen Stewartson

Managing Editor


Karen Stewartson is the managing editor of Government Technology. She contributes to Public CIO journal and Emergency Management magazine. Karen is a lifelong learner who has a penchant for words, puns, food and babies.

Karen Stewartson, Managing Editor

RECENT ARTICLES

July 3, 2013

Spectrum: Smarter Prosthetics and a Battery Safe Enough to Eat

Plus, check out Google's Talking Shoes that could inspire you to burn calories and creating fuel pucks from easy-to-find materials.
June 11, 2013

Book Review: Ninja Innovation

A look at 'the 10 killer strategies of the world's most successful businesses.'
June 3, 2013

Spectrum: Mobile Sensor Tests Water Quality

Plus, Australian scientists look to fruit flies to fight dengue fever.
May 30, 2013

Dirty Jobs in Government: Graffiti Removal

Graffiti databases and reporting apps help cities clean up after taggers.
May 23, 2013

Four Questions with Orlando, Fla., CIO Rosa Akhtarkhavari

Orlando CIO Rosa Akhtarkhavari discusses tech trends and her leadership style.
May 3, 2013

Spectrum: Can Smarter Phones and Nanosized Tech Improve Telemedicine?

Plus, scientists in Texas are using technology to track bat colonies.
April 3, 2013

What is Technology’s Role in Deep-Sea Exploration?

Robert Ballard, the man who discovered the ruins of the Titanic, shares how robots assist in undersea exploration.
April 1, 2013

Spectrum: Could Termites Help with Biofuel Production?

Also check out doodling in 3-D and the FDA-approved bionic eye.
March 8, 2013

Book Review: Social Media in the Public Sector Field Guide

Government agencies and officials who are still hesitant or skeptical about how to utilize social media have a new tool at their disposal.
March 1, 2013

Spectrum: Will the Heat You Produce Power Your Personal Electronics?

Low-cost light, Twitter's Vine app, 3-D printing
February 27, 2013

Cory Booker -- 2013 GT Top 25 Winner

Mayor, Newark, New Jersey
February 15, 2013

Spectrum: Texting While Walking a High Risk to Pedestrians

Harvesting tornado energy, Kickstarter cities
January 30, 2013

3 Possible Solutions for Fixing the Public School System

Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of Washington, D.C., public schools, says we can fix the American public school system by doing these three things.
January 30, 2013

What can school campuses now purchase to help protect students and staff against gun shootings?

What can school campuses now purchase to help protect students and staff against gun shootings?
January 28, 2013

The Sunlight Foundation recently launched what mobile app?

The Sunlight Foundation recently launched what mobile app?
January 23, 2013

Spectrum: Gamers Make Better Surgeons?

Dog-nose precision, smart glass.
January 17, 2013

What did a U.S. Web developer recently do that sounds fictitious, but is startlingly true?

What did a U.S. Web developer recently do that sounds fictitious, but is startlingly true?
January 10, 2013

What do cockroaches, traffic jams and root canals have in common?

What do cockroaches, traffic jams and root canals have in common?
January 2, 2013

Vennard Wright Reimagines Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County, Md., appoints former tech director of Friends With Hillary as its CIO.
December 20, 2012

Holiday Gift Ideas for 'Govies'

Government Technology attempts to assist last-minute and undecided shoppers during the holiday season.
December 19, 2012

What Google Plus hashtag was the most trending this year?

What Google Plus hashtag was the most trending this year?
December 18, 2012

Nepalese farmers are finding magic in what bodily fluid?

Nepalese farmers are finding magic in what bodily fluid?
December 14, 2012

What's the most overused buzzword on LinkedIn profiles in the U.S.?

What's the most overused buzzword on LinkedIn profiles in the U.S.?
December 13, 2012

Which logo change has garnered public disdain?

Which logo change has garnered public disdain?
December 5, 2012

Former President Bill Clinton Shares Lessons in Diplomacy and Politics

If Clinton was president now, he would restrain spending, bring back manufacturing and maximize energy efficiency.
December 4, 2012

Infographic: 5 Years Into the Microgrid Future

Microgrid deployments, which can alleviate strain on the power supply during disasters, are poised for growth, says report.

December 3, 2012

What online event is Microsoft hosting?

What online event is Microsoft hosting?
November 30, 2012

What "trendy" name was a baby recently given?

What "trendy" name was a baby recently given?
November 29, 2012

What fruit juice could have fatal consequences when taken with certain medications?

What fruit juice could have fatal consequences when taken with certain medications?
November 27, 2012

Greg Sebasky of Philips Chats About Advanced Lighting and Sustainability

Chairman of Philips North America talks about the company’s role with local governments.
November 26, 2012

Can a Smart Grid Mitigate Power Outages?

Experts agree that blackouts like the one during Hurricane Sandy can be mitigated if the nation had a smart grid — but it’s also a people problem.
November 8, 2012

What did the former mayor of Flint, Mich., do that has the Internet brewing?

What did the former mayor of Flint, Mich., do that has the Internet brewing?
November 5, 2012

Spectrum: Twin Cities Cycling Map, Robotic Bees

Japan cracks down on illegal music downloads.
November 2, 2012

Instagram photos of Hurricane Sandy are being streamlined into what website?

Instagram photos of Hurricane Sandy are being streamlined into what website?
November 1, 2012

Robert Atkinson Discusses the Future of IT Innovation

As founder and president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Atkinson says a barrier to innovation in government is a lack of competition.
October 25, 2012

Dr. Sanjay Gupta Shares Life Lessons

Passion, sense of purpose and compassion are three qualities government leaders should possess.

October 22, 2012

Fingertip Art for Government

Here are seven typical facial expressions found in state and local government.
October 18, 2012

What happens when you cross a robot and a flower?

What happens when you cross a robot and a flower?
October 16, 2012

Los Angeles recently became the final resting home for what NASA shuttle?

Los Angeles recently became the final resting home for what NASA shuttle?
October 15, 2012

What is 13:30?

What is 13:30?
October 3, 2012

Q&A: How to Catch Up on Innovation

Robert Atkinson, president of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, says the U.S. lags behind its counterparts on innovation.
October 3, 2012

Spectrum: Eagle Gets a New 3-D Printed Beak

Cow QR codes track their eating and milking patterns.
September 28, 2012

What is the Continuously Ergonomic Race Vehicle?

What is the Continuously Ergonomic Race Vehicle?

September 21, 2012

Educating the Future Smart Grid Workforce

How can the U.S. educate in the future to remain globally competitive?
September 21, 2012

Product Review: Belkin Mini Surge Protector

Power electronics with your personal, portable outlet station.
September 17, 2012

Bacon Number, Government-Style

Public-sector employees are connected to Kevin Bacon, too.
September 14, 2012

10 Big Questions About the Smart Grid

A primer for the 68 percent of consumers who have no idea what a smart grid is.
September 7, 2012

What popular website is banned from a New York high school?

What popular website is banned from a New York high school?
August 31, 2012

Spectrum: iPhone Cancer Screening

Plus solar-powered kiosks and an airport avatar.
August 29, 2012

Technological Leadership Institute Director Envisions the Smart Grid

Massoud Amin discusses the smart grid’s sustainability and the future of energy consumption.
August 29, 2012

What's being used at an Israeli theme park to attract tourists?

What's being used at an Israeli theme park to attract tourists?
August 9, 2012

Six Tips for Becoming an Olympic-Winning CIO

Book review: The 1% Solution for Work and Life.
August 2, 2012

Spectrum: Smart Pavement, A Cure for Filthy Phones

Spray-on battery, Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer.
July 31, 2012

What are Cocoagraphs?

What are Cocoagraphs?
July 30, 2012

What connects us globally to the Internet?

What connects us globally to the Internet?
July 27, 2012

What's the name of the device that can print any drug?

What's the name of the device that can print any drug?
July 24, 2012

What technology will be used to broadcast this year's Olympic Games?

What technology will be used to broadcast this year's Olympic Games?
July 23, 2012

What technology company famously know for its "bong" recently celebrated its birthday?

What technology company famously know for its "bong" recently celebrated its birthday?
June 15, 2012

Book Review: Boring Meetings Suck

Get more out of your meetings, or get out of more meetings.
September 28, 2011

New Products From Security Engineered Machinery, Scottevest, Ricoh, Tuff-Luv

Optical media destroyer, security vest, tablet, e-reader case.
August 31, 2011

New Products From Motorola, Apitech, Panasonic and Bosch

Touchscreen tablet, secure fax, video surveillance system and rugged tablet
March 31, 2011

IT Trends: California Secure IDs, Government IT Investment Plans

Google digitizes Nelson Mandela, customer satisfaction survey.
February 25, 2011

IT Trends: Electronic Savings Bonds; Distracted Pedestrians

China’s Internet growth.
November 1, 2010

IT Trends: Texting Laws, Recovery.gov Turns 1

General Electric stops making incandescent light bulbs.
October 6, 2010

IT Trends: Airline Wi-Fi, Volkswagens That Run on Methane

Workers still quitting jobs despite poor economy.
October 6, 2010

Product Review: Motormouse Wireless Mouse

The wireless Motormouse successfully merges form and function.
September 1, 2010

IT Trends: Gulf Oil Spill Crowdsourcing, Washington State Legislature's Award-Winning Website

Electric car-charging stations come to San Jose.
July 31, 2010

Product Review: Able Planet NC300 Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

Headphones offer exceptional sound quality and can be used with iPhones, iPods, MP3 players and hearing aids.
June 30, 2010

IT Trends: More Efficient Solar Panels, Secure Password Management Site

Does Facebook status indicate overall happiness?
June 6, 2010

CIO Steve Reneker Discusses How Riverside, Calif., Fights Graffiti with GPS-Enabled Cameras

Graffiti abatement tool uses GPS data to help link taggers to graffiti elsewhere in Riverside.
June 1, 2010

IT Trends: Stimulus-Funded Transportation Projects; Changing Fonts to Save Printing Costs

FarmVille costs Bulgarian councilman his job.
April 29, 2010

IT Trends: Riverside, Calif., Records Graffiti With Geo-Mapping: States Cope With Fiscal Issues

Cell phones could replace hotel room keys
April 1, 2010

IT Trends: Astronaut Tweets From Space; Sunflower Power

Government and social networks; engineers model legged robots after cockroaches.
February 26, 2010

IT Trends: Smithsonian Video Game Exhibit; California Budget Solutions Could Include Speed Cameras

Wi-Fi on wheels; electronics left behind.
February 4, 2010

New Jersey County Uses Military Technology to Close the Communication Gap

Burlington County, N.J., tests military communications technology that provides interoperability among emergency management workers.
February 3, 2010

IT Trends: Legislature and Public-Sector CIO Issues, Most Energy-Efficient States

Security trends for 2010, distracted drivers.
January 8, 2010

IT Trends: Maryland Green Registry, Cyber-Security Issues

Doctors monitor injured war vets via cell phones.
December 17, 2009

San Jose Pilots an iPhone App for Reporting 311 Services

Residents in San Jose, Calif., can make 311 reports with their iPhones.
November 17, 2009

IT Trends: Weatherproofing Electronic Devices, 3-D Rome

Urban and Regional Information Systems Association awards local governments for improving citizen services.
November 12, 2009

Can Telemedicine Help Wounded Warriors With Recovery?

U.S. veterans receiving medical care are monitored with cell phones.
November 2, 2009

Portable Solar Charger; Barriers to Broadband Internet Adoption

Iowa county residents can text 911; audiobooks for iPod users.
October 1, 2009

IT Trends: Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot Converts Biomass Sources into Electrical Energy

Printable batteries; thermal scanners search for flu sufferers in airports.
September 25, 2009

San Francisco Showcases Free Applications That Use City Data

Mayor Gavin Newsom announces launch of DataSF Apps Showcase using government data.
September 14, 2009

Seattle Goes Scientific With Trash Tracking Technology

Researchers affix electronic tags to 3,000 trash items to assess Seattle's waste removal system.
September 13, 2009

Coast Guard Contingency Planner John Stanley Develops Strategies for Natural Disasters and Man-Made Hazards

John Stanley discusses port security and military preparedness for disasters.
September 1, 2009

Green Tech Wrap-up: States Encourage CFL Recycling, Digester Devours Solid Waste

Five commonly overlooked IT costs.
July 6, 2009

San Francisco Residents Can Tweet 311

MIT engineers take the guesswork out of public transit.
June 4, 2009

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom Announces 311 Twitter Service

San Francisco pioneers 311 service requests with two-way communication via Twitter.
June 1, 2009

Social Networks Grow More Popular, Sweden Introduces Green Energy Policy

Electronic health records may boost smartphone use by doctors.
March 31, 2009

Alabama May Subsidize Cell Phones for Low-Income Residents

Intelligent pill can be programmed to target specific ailments, researchers say.
March 4, 2009

Chris Hughes: Facebook Co-Founder Helps Reshape Presidential Election

Chris Hughes: Facebook Co-Founder Helps Reshape Presidential Election
March 4, 2009

Web 2.0 Tools, Digital Memorials, and a Lego Inauguration

Government Technology's monthly roundup of IT-related news and numbers.
March 3, 2009

Jascha Franklin-Hodge: Obama's Web Strategist Harnessed Politics and Technology

Jascha Franklin-Hodge: Obama's Web Strategist Harnessed Politics and Technology
February 16, 2009

Ammonia Leak at a Meatpacking Plant Causes a Mass Evacuation in Winter Weather

Initial 911 calls to first responders were incorrect.
February 1, 2009

National Conference of State Legislatures Releases Top Nine Policy Issues for States in 2009

Social networking becomes more prevalent at work.
December 3, 2008

Second Life Employee-Recruiting Site Leads to Missouri IT Worker Hire

GPS sensors help save elephants.
November 3, 2008

Product Review: 3M's Privacy Filter Keeps Wandering Eyes From Looking at Your Data.

Privacy filter ideal for HIPAA compliance, professionals on the road.
November 3, 2008

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper's YouTube Videos Highlight Political Career With Humor

38-volume California Code of Regulations goes online.
October 1, 2008

Researchers Create Chip that Detects Food Poisoning

Dubai tower uses wind and solar to create more power than it consumes.
July 8, 2008

Securing Cyber-Space, Enhancing Drivers' Licenses

Securing Cyber-Space, Enhancing Drivers' Licenses
June 2, 2008

Haptic Interfaces, Digital Trust and Seniors Online

Computers may soon let people sense the texture of objects or feel how they fit together thanks to a haptic, or touch-based interface.
May 11, 2008

Texas County Electronically Tracks Juveniles

Hale County invests in monitoring technology for its juvenile delinquents.
May 6, 2008

CIA Watches YouTube; New Jersey Outlaws Texting While Driving

CIA Watches YouTube; New Jersey Outlaws Texting While Driving
April 8, 2008

Critical Business Trends, Bluetooth-Enabled Prosthetics and Virtual Classrooms

Critical Business Trends, Bluetooth-Enabled Prosthetics and Virtual Classrooms
March 3, 2008

Kids Diss E-mail, MySpace Dominates and Cyber-Attacks Grow More Dangerous

Kids Diss E-mail, MySpace Dominates and Cyber-Attacks Grow More Dangerous
February 7, 2008

Spectrum: Goverment Reports from the IT Horizon

Spectrum: Goverment Reports from the IT Horizon
January 13, 2008

Spectrum: Government Technology Reports from the IT Horizon

A snapshot of national and international IT trends that may change your life and career.
December 18, 2007

Spectrum

Spectrum
November 7, 2007

Spectrum

Reports from the IT horizon. 
October 2, 2007

Spectrum

Spectrum
July 31, 2007

Spectrum

Reports from the IT horizon.
July 1, 2007

GT Spectrum

Reports from the IT horizon
May 31, 2007

GT Spectrum

Reports from the IT horizon