KB Heylen is a researcher, writer and strategist. They are currently completing their PhD in Media Studies at Macquarie University, Sydney.

KB's (they/them) research is focused on the operation and regulation of digital platforms from a media studies perspective. Their PhD analyses the buy-now-pay-later platform Afterpay through a critical platform studies framework, while their master's thesis examined Facebook and Google’s responses to Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code. KB was a 2024 Parliamentary Library Summer Scholar, where they spent six weeks in Canberra conducting research into how fintech is framed and debated within Parliament.

A polymath since childhood, KB also does research across queer studies, fat studies and performance studies, is a fat activist, burlesque performer, trivia buff, crossword nerd, blogger and serial crafter. Their recent ADHD diagnosis helps explain their pattern recognition superpower, which is put to good use not only in research but in their other work as Head of Strategy for a national education social enterprise. Prior to beginning their research journey, KB spent two decades working in economic development, arts management and communications across the government and non-profit sectors.