Miss Universe Canada

Kirsten Andresen

Kirsten Andresen

Height: 5’9.5
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Languages: English, French
Occupation: Entrepreneur

Kirsten Andresen is a proud Calgarian and recent graduate of the University of Calgary, where she earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Digital Engineering. Fluent in English and French, she brings a diverse and global perspective to everything she pursues.

A natural innovator, Kirsten’s academic journey focused on the intersection of technology and healthcare. She collaborated with the Foothills Hospital Radiology Department on machine learning research to improve stroke diagnosis and partnered with the neurotechnology startup NeuroPawn to help design a brain-computer interface electrode, combining science with compassionate impact.

Recognized at the Innovation4Health Competition for co-developing a hormone-tracking ring that aids early detection of PCOS and endometriosis, Kirsten is also a passionate volunteer both internationally in Peru and locally. She is currently preparing for the MCAT, aspiring to become a surgeon.


A creative at heart, Kirsten co-founded a small business with her father and shares her journey through social media. She’s drawn to fashion, content creation, modeling, and performance. Whether styling outfits, vlogging her adventures, or expressing herself through art, Kirsten believes creativity rooted in authenticity is a powerful way to build confidence, connection, and meaningful impact. From lab to lens, she blends intellect and artistry in all she does.

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Q&A

What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?

I am passionate about health innovation, brain science, and making a difference in people’s lives. I love creating, whether it’s building AI models for healthcare, designing wearable tech, or developing my small business Art-Hooks. In my free time, I love exercising, vlogging, and connecting with nature. I also love traveling and discovering new cultures.

List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)

I have received training in public speaking, participated in the Speechworks program, and taken part in debate, all of which have helped me develop strong communication and presentation skills. I also have a background in the performing arts, including choir and piano, which has allowed me to express myself creatively and confidently from a young age.

In what sports, if any, have you participated?

Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in a range of sports including volleyball, basketball, badminton, flag football, wrestling, and track and field. These athletic experiences taught me discipline, perseverance, and adaptability. Skills that continue to support my personal growth and ambition today.

Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?

My younger sister, Kaitlyn, has been one of the most influential people in my life. Her curiosity, determination, and belief in me have always inspired and motivated me to push beyond my limits. In fact, it was her fascination with how things work that first sparked my own interest in problem-solving and ultimately led me to pursue a degree in engineering. She reminds me every day of the importance of leading by example and lifting others as you rise.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?

My proudest personal accomplishment is graduating with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Digital Engineering. It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life, requiring resilience, discipline, and passion. Earning that degree not only solidified my commitment to healthcare innovation but also proved to me that I’m capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.

What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?

One of the most unique experiences I have had was going on an 18-day backpacking trip through the Canadian Rockies. Completely off grid with no social media, no Wi-Fi, and no phone, it was just me, a backpack, and the wilderness. Being removed from the digital world for that long taught me the value of stillness, mental strength, and self-reflection. It reminded me that true connection comes not from being constantly online, but from being fully present—with nature, with others, and with ourselves.

What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?

My ultimate career ambition is to become a neurosurgeon and lead innovation in neurotechnology. I’m currently preparing for the MCAT and building experience in artificial intelligence and brain imaging to explore how we can improve patient outcomes. I am also continuing to seek opportunities that allow me to connect with people and give back through service, because I believe that to truly make a difference in medicine, we must lead with both expertise and empathy. My goal is to help transform how we understand and care for the brain.

What would be your “dream job” in life?

My dream job is to be a neurosurgeon who also leads a neurotechnology company—bringing medical devices and AI solutions into global clinics while mentoring other young innovators, especially women in STEM.

Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.

I was raised in Calgary, Alberta, in a big family of six. Growing up, we faced some challenges, my parents were often busy working to support us, and my mom became the first in our family to earn a degree while raising four kids. Watching her balance school, work, and motherhood taught me resilience and the power of education.

Despite the hustle, our home was filled with love, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose. My dad was always building, fixing, or inventing something, and that hands-on, solution-driven environment shaped my curiosity from a young age. I was the kid who asked endless questions, loved to explore, and constantly sketched ideas for inventions, long before I knew what engineering even was.

List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.

I co-founded a small business called Art Hooks with my dad, where we developed a creative solution for hanging artwork. I also worked with a neurotechnology startup to help design a brain computer interface electrode, combining engineering with healthcare innovation. I also had the opportunity to model a dress for a local fashion designer, which gave me insight into the artistry and detail involved in bringing a design to life.

List any volunteering you have done.

I have volunteered at the Calgary Public Library, supporting youth education, and in Peru on a mission trip where we provided aid to underserved communities. I was also a member of NSBE, supporting initiatives that empower women in STEM.

What is your most unusual talent?

I can fake sneeze with perfect timing and sound. It might not impress everyone, but I think it’s pretty fun.

Where is the most interesting place you have been to?

The most interesting place I’ve had the privilege to visit is the Vatican. Being surrounded by centuries of history, breathtaking art, and spiritual reverence was truly awe-inspiring. It reminded me of the power of human expression, how faith, beauty, and purpose can transcend language and unite people from all over the world. It was a moment of reflection that strengthened my belief in leading a life rooted in meaning, service, and connection.

What do you hope to be doing in ten years?

In ten years, I hope to be practicing as a neurosurgeon, leading groundbreaking research in neurotech, and mentoring future innovators. I’d love to be working globally, serving patients in both advanced medical centers and underserved communities.

Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?

I believe innovation and service go hand in hand. Everything I do, whether research, volunteering, or business, is rooted in a desire to create impact. This pageant gives me the platform to amplify that mission, especially for women and girls in science and healthcare.