Kristen is a project scientist whose research includes regional and global climate variability and change, weather prediction and predictability, climate and weather extremes, and impacts on human health and society. Current and recent projects focus on improving predictions of precipitation extremes in California on extended range to seasonal timescales, off-season heat waves in California and their impact on snowpack and water resources, and heat related health impacts on populations in California. Her work has contributed to recent governmental climate change assessment reports, and her research projects often include collaborations with local or State government agencies and non-profit organizations to work together to help improve outcomes of heat waves and other types of extreme weather.