She earned her doctorate at Arizona State University, studying beginning secondary chemistry teachers' instructional practices. Prior to earning her doctorate, Krista taught eighth-grade science for eight of her nine years in the classroom. During that time, she earned national board certification for early adolescence/science. At the National Association for Research in Science Teaching 2012 International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, Adams — along with her advisor, Julie Luft, and the ASU research group — won the JRST outstanding paper award for their work on beginning secondary teachers' change in knowledge and beliefs. Other publications include book chapters about beginning secondary science teachers' knowledge of teaching and learning.