Her research focuses on elucidating the cellular and developmental events associated with the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in higher plants, and the developmental physiology of the unique aspects of the rice leaf. In this work, she utilizes high resolution imaging with photosynthetic gas exchange assessments, transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, and bioinformatics. Her work aims to understand the functional significance of plant structure in an evolutionary context, and to use this understanding to inform crop improvement strategies.