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Dr Kyrsten Hill
Name:
Dr Kyrsten Hill
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Researcher
Place of work / study:
Washington University in St. Louis
Area of Research:
Stress, health, well-being, and aging
How is your research funded:
Advisor’s NIH grant
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a current postdoctoral researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, working under the mentorship of Drs Emily Willroth and Patrick Hill. I graduated with my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama, with a concentration in Geropsychology. I recently accepted a tenure track position at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and will be starting as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Geropsychology at UCCS this August.
Broadly, my research focuses on stress, health, and well-being across adulthood into late life. I am interested in how daily stressors and major stressful life events connect to healthy aging outcomes, such as mental health, chronic illness, and cognitive functioning. My work aims to examine short-term variability and long-term developmental change in stress, health, and well-being, as well as individual differences in these processes.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I grew up on a small farm in New Jersey, where we had a horse, sheep, pigs, and even fainting goats (goats that stiffen and fall over when they’re startled) as pets.
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
I developed a passion for working with older adults at a young age, fueled by my experiences volunteering at nursing homes, spending time with my grandparents, and taking courses on adult development and aging. I became curious about the factors contributing to successful aging and joined a healthy aging research lab as an undergraduate student. Although my research examines a range of healthy aging outcomes, dementia is a topic that is near to my heart.
My grandfather, who inspired my love of learning and value of education, died from dementia. I have witnessed the effects of dementia in both my personal and professional life and believe it is critical that we continue to conduct research focused on dementia prevention, as well as on supporting those living with dementia and their families/caregivers.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
I am an early career researcher, but something that has been helpful for me so far has been to pay attention to the things that bring me a sense of purpose and passion and focus on the “why” behind my work.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
None
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Spending time in nature, like going for a walk or hike.
Favourite film of all time?
Not sure
Can we find you on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn?
Follow Krysten Hill on LinkedIn
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