Kristen recently completed her PhD in Health Promotion studying parents as agents-of-change in the treatment of childhood obesity and promotion of child health behaviours. In her current role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the HEALab, her research moves beyond the family unit and focuses community-based projects to enhance the lives and health of children. Kristen is the Field Manager for the SmartAPPetite Project, which aims to improve food literacy and dietary behaviours among youth through an interactive smartphone application. She also works closely with the HEAL’s Youth Advisory Council to ensure that each project incorporates authentic youth voice and perspectives. Kristen strives to adapt creative and participatory methodologies that engage and excite youth in research.