Buchanan completed her doctoral studies at Purdue University in Early Childhood Education and also holds degrees in Child Development and in Business Management. Her research interests center around the concept of developmentally appropriate practices, both in primary grades and in teacher education. She's become particularly interested in the implications of digital technologies for early childhood curriculum and instruction and how new technology is best used with very young children. Buchanan helps direct the PK-3 program at LSU, served as an NCATE reviewer for Early Childhood Teacher Education Programs, and was a board member for the American Educational Research Association’s Child Development and Early Education special interest group.