She received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. Focusing on research that examines strategies for improving behavioral obesity and exercise adherence, Christie collaborates with a multidisciplinary team from various departments across KU. In addition to this most recent study of rural obesity, Befort's research - supported by the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program, the American Cancer Society and the KUMC Research Institute – has included an evaluation of the impact of affective responses to exercise, treating obesity in diverse populations, and the study of school environments and their relationship to childhood obesity.