Her research examines how people communicate about uncomfortable issues, specifically pertaining to health and finances. Romo has explored what motivates people to disclose taboo topics (e.g., salary) or discreditable traits (e.g., abstaining from alcohol) and how individuals manage uncertainty surrounding their physical, social, and economic well-being. She also uncovers how couples can effectively motivate one another to engage in healthier eating and exercise behaviors and how people can communicatively manage interpersonal challenges to losing and maintaining weight. Romo was recently ranked among the top 1% of published communication scholars across the years 2012-2016. She has also received the NC State Department of Communication's Robert M. Entman Award for Excellence in Communication Research.