Sarah Kirby

Sarah Kirby is a Professor and FCS Program Leader in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences at North Carolina State University (NC State). She serves as Interim Extension Director and Associate Dean, leading NC State Extension initiatives. Her roles include State Coordinator for the Healthy Homes Partnership, which focuses on reducing housing hazards affecting children and caregivers, and program coordinator for MyPI North Carolina, a youth disaster preparedness program. She teaches AEHS 540: Environmental Influences on the Family and is a member of the AHS graduate faculty.

Dr. Kirby holds a PhD in Human Environmental Sciences from Oklahoma State University, with expertise in Residential Energy Management, Healthy Homes, and Disaster Readiness. Her research emphasizes energy conservation, disaster response, and housing accessibility. She has led numerous grants funded by USDA, DOE, and HUD, including the Healthy Homes Partnership and E-Conservation energy education programs.

• Education: BS (Housing, Oklahoma State University), MS (Housing, Design, and Consumer Studies), PhD (Human Environmental Sciences)

Her research interests span disaster recovery, sustainable housing, and youth engagement in energy efficiency. Over 15 years, she has developed evidence-based curricula for middle schools and teen parents, addressing housing-related health hazards and energy conservation. Her work bridges academic research and community outreach, emphasizing practical solutions for vulnerable populations.

• Awards: 2023 Distinguished Service Award (Housing Education & Research Association), 2021 Outstanding Graduate Instructor (CALS), 2019 GoodHeart-Wilcox Teaching Award

Dr. Kirby’s grants total over $600,000, supporting programs like the Healthy Homes Curriculum and E-Conservation. Her lab focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to housing safety, disaster resilience, and energy efficiency, collaborating with state agencies and national organizations.