Kirsten is a Professor in the Department of Biology and has been a University of Waterloo faculty member since 2000. For the past three years, she has served in a number of administrative roles within the Department of Biology and the Faculty of Science, including Associate Chair for both graduate (2015-2017) and undergraduate studies (2016) and more recently as Associate Dean, Graduate Studies (2017-2018). While holding these positions, Kirsten established a committee for Graduate Studies in Biology and a Faculty Graduate Scholarship Committee. She also facilitated two successful Science Graduate Open House events, including the inaugural event in 2017. Currently, Kirsten is the co-chair of GRADtalks, a speaker series for University of Waterloo doctoral students.
Kirsten’s focus as the AVP, GSPA will be on the graduate student and postdoctoral experience. Daniela O’Neill, who began her AVP, GSPA work in January 2018, will continue her focus on experiential education for graduate students. Additionally, Kirsten and Daniela will work alongside Jeff to provide academic leadership and oversight on graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs at the University of Waterloo.