Sheril Kirshenbaum was born on May 24, 1980. After attending Tufts University and the University of Maine, she began her career as a science writer, author, and policy advocate. Currently, Kirshenbaum serves as the executive director of the Science Debate, an organization aimed at integrating science and politics.

In addition to The Science of Kissing, Kirshenbaum co-authored a book with writer Chris Mooney, titled Unscientific America: How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens our Future.

Kirshenbaum lives in East Lansing, Michigan with her husband David Lowry and sons.