Kristen Buchanan studies nanomagnets, through both experimental investigations and numerical modeling. Her specific focus is on the magnetization reversal and spin excitations of patterned magnetic elements, exploring lateral confinement and coupling effects.

Nanomagnets are also important for the advancement of technology, for example, in spintronics devices, storage media, and for medical applications.

Buchanan received her B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba in 1998, her M.Sc. from the University of Alberta in 2000, and her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in 2004.