[3] She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College and her Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

She served as the deputy assistant secretary for Canada, Haiti and the Caribbean in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

[4] On June 15, 2020, President Donald Trump nominated Kierscht to serve as the United States ambassador to Mauritania.

[8] On January 23, 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Kierscht to serve as the United States ambassador to Djibouti.

[10] She was sworn into office on July 18, 2024 by Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya.