Hi, I’m Kirsten!

I’m an early-career researcher dedicated to preventing potential disasters from biological agents through responsible biosecurity governance. I am currently participating in the United Nations’ Office of Disarmament Affairs’ Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship, doing research volunteer work with Global Shield in its policy research to identify and develop concrete policy options to reduce global catastrophic risk, and working on a few independent research projects.

My recent work includes exploring DNA synthesis screening regulations in the Asia-Pacific and promoting equitable biosecurity initiatives. Previously, I participated in the Nuclear Threat Initiative | bio’s first delegation of Next Generation Biosecurity Experts at the Biological Weapons Convention and spearheaded Project SHIELD PH, a pioneering biosecurity research effort in the Philippines.

With a background in global health research, community engagement, journalism, and health promotion, I am planning for a career in biosecurity governance and further education, with a commitment to including underrepresented groups in biosecurity leadership and counterfactually enhancing regional and global resilience against catastrophic biological risks.