Summary
Research interests:
My research focuses on substance use harm reduction strategies including the distribution of life saving supplies like naloxone and fentanyl test strips, and the implementation of harm reduction vending machines. I conduct mixed methods research with vulnerable populations including people who use drugs and people experiencing homelessness.
Faculty mentors
- Karla Wagner (advisor)
- Jennifer Pearson
- Kristen Clements-Nolle
- Stephanie Koning
- Jessie Clark
Awards
- 2023: Student Development Award, School of Public Health
- 2022: Student Project Stipend, Western Regional Public Health Training Center
- 2021-22: Graduate Dean’s Merit Scholarship Award
- 2021: Graduate Student Research Stipend, Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
Selected presentations and publications
Kirk MR. (2024, January 31). Concordance of fentanyl self-report and urine toxicology results among a sample of people who use drugs. [Conference presentation]. Mountain West Clinical & Translational Research Infrastructure Network Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV, United States.
Kirk MR, Dawkins AD, Wei X, Ajumobi O, Lee LC, Oman R, et al. (2023) What makes a peer? Characteristics of certified peer recovery support specialists in an emergency department-based intervention. PLoS ONE 18(12): e0289920.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289920
Kirk, M.R., Potter, A.J., & Wilking, J. (2022) “Well, that’s like night and day, being homeless, having nothing.” A qualitative exploration of the experiences of residents and service providers of permanent supportive housing, Housing and Society, DOI: 10.1080/08882746.2022.2114259
Education
- 2025 (anticipated) Ph.D. in Public Health, Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nevada, Reno
- 2014 MPH, Boston University
- 2008 B.S., Health Science, California State University, Chico