Julianna Kirschner teaches a broad range of course subjects, including small group communication, argumentation, sports communication, managing communication, research methods, and strategic communication. 

Kirschner’s research is focused on improving communication in multiple contexts, specifically in storytelling practices and social media technology. Her master’s thesis explored grief and loss, with a focus on improving mental health for all involved. Kirschner’s thesis was awarded the Outstanding Thesis Award from the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender (OSCLG). Kirschner’s dissertation critically assessed social media posts that created, gave life to, and finally abandoned trending topics on Twitter. Her dissertation received two awards: The Kathy Merlock Jackson Dissertation Award from the Popular Culture Association (PCA/ACA) and the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the National Communication Association. Kirschner has also published work in performance communication, and her book chapter on memory preservation won an award from the National Communication Association.

Kirschner is associate editor for Visual Communication Quarterly, a journal published by Taylor & Francis. She has created Visions and Voices programming to highlight marginalized athletes and their stories. Kirschner has also developed several conference programs for the USC Annenberg Institute of Sports, Media, and Society. She served as program planner for the Language and Social Interaction Division of the Western States Communication Association and the Visual Communication Division of the National Communication Association.