Kirstin graduated in 2019 from Indiana University - Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. During their time at IU Bloomington, Kirstin worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the Sexual Psychophysiology lab. After graduating, Kirstin relocated to Lincoln as the Lab Manager for the Women's Immunity and Sexual Health lab for two years before starting their graduate program in Neuroscience and Behavior with the lab.

Kirstin's research interests include the immune and endocrine systems' influence on sexual behavior during pregnancy and the postpartum, sexting behaviors among women, the dynamics of available testosterone within vaginal mucosa in response to sexual arousal, and the effects of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other cycle-related mental health outcomes among individuals with and without sexual trauma history.

As a person outside of research, Kirstin enjoys aerial arts, reading, and being a goofy goober.