Kristina is the coordinator of the biochemistry and molecular biology degree program at K1ÌåÓý-Cascades, and a senior instructor in the biology program at K1ÌåÓý-Cascades. She received her Ph.D. from SUNY Buffalo, followed by postdoctoral positions in the Institute of Molecular Biology at the University of Oregon and Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics at K1ÌåÓý. She began teaching at K1ÌåÓý-Cascades after relocating to Bend in 2013. Her research has employed fungal genetic models and plant pathogens to better understand epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms. Her publications can be viewed on .