Kirsty completed her PhD at the University of Dundee having been awarded a distinction for her Masters degree in Psychological Research Methods. To date, her research work has focussed on social, health and developmental psychology, and has been published in national and international journals and books.

She has presented her research in a variety of community and academic settings including TEDx and Cafe Science. Her expertise has been sought by education specialists, local councils, and charities, and she has contributed to radio, television and magazine specials.