Broadly her research focuses on the role of media in the socialization of youth. More specifically, Kristin researches the effects of mediated content on youth. She is currently studying the ways in which social network site use relates to the identity formation of adolescents. Kristin also works on projects that analyze the content of children's television programming. Her past projects have assessed both educational and prosocial messages as well as anti-social and disrespectful messages present in programs popular among youth. Kristin is an award winning writer and instructor, and has taught courses on mediated communication, communication technologies, social media, and the psychology of the audience. Kristin holds a PhD in Communication, an MA in Speech Communication and BS in Psychology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.