Kristen Leighton, PhD
Senior Research Analyst
Kristen Leighton is a senior research analyst with the Center for Rural Health (CRH) at the University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks.
Kristen works on research and evaluation related to the Rural Health Transformation Program, where she designs, implements, and assists with data collection, evaluation, and statistical analysis. She also supports program development, implementation, strategic planning, and community impact. Before joining CRH, Kristen worked as a research analyst at the Office of DATA.
Originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota, Kristen attended the University of Minnesota - Morris, Argosy University, and UND. She earned a master's degree in forensic psychology from Argosy University. She earned a master's in psychology and a PhD in experimental psychology, both from UND. Kristen also holds a graduate certificate in quantitative research methods.
Most Recent Publications & Presentations
Eighth Biennial Report: Health Issues for the State of North Dakota, 2025
The biennial report updates North Dakota state legislators on the current state of the health of people in the state, the healthcare delivery system, and looks at ways North Dakotans can access high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost.
Seventh Biennial Report: Health Issues for the State of North Dakota, 2023
The biennial report updates North Dakota state legislators on the current state of the health of people in the state, the healthcare delivery system, and looks at ways North Dakotans can access high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost.
Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Burnout, and Professional Quality of Life Among the Hospital Workforce During a Global Health Pandemic
Research of hospital staff during the summer of 2021 examined levels of anxiety, stress, burnout, and depression during a global health pandemic, and compared urban healthcare staff versus rural healthcare staff.