She has taught introductory biology to non-majors for over fifteen years and is recognized for her pedagogical innovations in communicating biological principles in a manner that engages the non-science student and emphasizes the relevance of biology to everyday life. Her research focuses on cell-cell communication in plants, especially self-incompatibility and other pollen-pistil interactions. She has published over a dozen research articles and has received several awards and grants, including a grant from the National Science Foundation. See less