Kristin Anders

Kristin Anders is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee. Her research program examines healthy sexual development, sexual communication across relationships (parent-child, healthcare), sexual identity formation, and campus sexual violence prevention.

Research interests focus on:

• Sexual identity development during adolescence and emerging adulthood
• Impact of sexual communication on well-being
• Dating violence dynamics and prevention strategies
• Trauma-informed interventions in educational settings

Anders leads the SHARE (Sexual Health and Assault Research and Education) team and co-directs the IDOL (Identity Over the Lifespan) research group. Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on sexual development meta-analyses, qualitative explorations of sexual communication, and violence prevention frameworks. Recent work includes studies on intersex experiences and sexual consent education.

Awards include:

• 2023 Commerce Bank Outstanding Teaching Award
• 2023 Woman of Distinction in STEM
• 2024 Making a Difference Award
• Multiple graduate research mentorship awards

Advising activities include chairing 3 doctoral committees and serving on 12 graduate committees. Secured $1.3M+ in grant funding for projects like #RelationshipGoals PREP program. Teaches courses including HDFS 302 (Human Sexuality), HDFS 809 (Qualitative Methods), and HDFS 852 (Theories in HDFS).