Kira Walsh, PhD
Systems thinking with a sense of humor.
Making sense of story
I excel at connecting the dots – how did we get here and where are we headed? As a communicator, I focus on strategies that speak to people however they show up because diversity is a property of groups and the best solutions are collaborative and socially conscious.
Kira’s professional experience
- Associate Director, Programs (2024 – present)
Emory University Department of Chemistry in Atlanta, GA - Manager, Communications and Outreach (2019 – 2024)
Emory University Department of Chemistry in Atlanta, GA - Senior Program Coordinator, Outreach and Communications (2014 – 2019)
Emory University Department of Chemistry in Atlanta, GA - Internships prior to 2014: Educational Testing Service, Internal Revenue Service
- Volunteering: Foster parent with Lifeline Animal Project; Board Secretary, Writer, and Front-of-House Volunteer with Renegade Theatre Company; Writing Tutor with Freedom University
TL;DR: I have over a decade of experience leading academic program strategy in higher education. A key aspect of my work is my use of creative writing and live events to build affinity in academic communities.
Portfolio
Some achievements I’m proud of
- 🐈 The Department of Cat-Mistry – A purr-fect April Fool’s marketing campaign
- ⚗️ Applying 411 – a website and companion workbook addressing hidden curriculum in applying to graduate school
- 🗞️ The news site, publications hub, and department website for Emory’s Department of Chemistry
- 🏆 2022 Award of Distinction – Emory University’s highest honor for staff
Kira’s training
Experiences that have helped develop my perspective
Clarion West Writer’s Workshop
2008 graduate of the Seattle-based “Harvard of Sci-Fi”
Emory Psychoanalytic Institute
2013 Academic Candidate completing 200+ hours of training in psychoanalytic theory and methods
Christopher Newport University
2007 graduate with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing
Emory University Laney Graduate School
2013 PhD graduate with a project focused on the history of plagiarism in literature and culture
….and I’m always learning!
Most recently, I completed the coding basics course with SheCodes and “Mailed It!” – a workshop on crafting effective emails offered during the 2024 AMA Higher Education Marketing Conference in Las Vegas.