Her research interests are broad, including many aspects of the ecology, evolution and conservation of amphibians (and occasionally other taxa). She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. She has held positions at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama; The University of California, Berkeley; and Tulane University. When not "sciencing," she can be found enjoying Pittsburgh's many parks, museums and neighborhood events with her husband and two girls.