Adrian Tesson Associates

Communications research and Web Design

As well as working on computer systems and web development within ATA, Karen Tesson is also an an interdisciplinary researcher specialising in novel "whole systems" enquiry methodologies.

She has a BSc in Biological Science (University of Bath, 1999), and a doctorate in Psychology (July 2006)

Her doctoral research dealt with "communicative networks". Her thesis identified and explored parallels between natural biological networks and those found in human sociological and business contexts.

Her research developed a novel term, the "flow-form network". Flow-form network structures are fluid-based communicative networks, they are typified by the tubular flow-managing networks found in biological systems such as fungal mycelial networks and blood circulatory systems. Karen's doctoral research explored the character and dynamics of natural flow-form networks, and posited their potential as both model and metaphor in human communicative contexts.

Her current research interests lie in the following areas:

• "Flow form" patterns of human communication in business contexts
• "Inclusional" methods of enquiry in science, sociology, psychology and IT
• "Flow-form" computing