Kari was awarded a PhD in 2024 for her empirical and normative analysis of pandemic preparedness and response measures in Australia, exploring in particular concepts of risk, vulnerability and disadvantage. She also holds a Master of Medical Science (International Health) from the Uppsala University in Sweden.

Kari has previously worked as a consultant to the Migration and Health Programme of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, and adviser to the Global Health Division of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.