Dr. Kathleen Thimsen earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Webster University. She received a post-Masters degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 and graduated with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Regis University in 2015.

She has delivered many presentations and has multiple publications along with a record of external funding primarily in areas related to education, forensic nursing, wound care, and community health.

Dr. Thimsen's involvement in national nursing boards is extensive, notably co-founding and serving as a charter member of both the Academy of Forensic Nursing and Forensic Nursing Certification Board. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Forensic Nursing Certification Board. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and the American Nurses Association.

Since joining UNLV School of Nursing she has been appointed as Director of the Doctorate in Nursing Practice program and also to serve as the co-Director of the UNLV Community Clinic.