Her interdisciplinary, conservation-driven research focuses on elucidating patterns and causes of biodiversity loss and alteration across spatial and ecological organizational scales. She primarily examines aquatic systems and herpetofauna due to their rapid global decline and inherent sensitivity to pervasive stressors. Amber’s teaching philosophy and practice stem from her goal to actively engage students in the learning process so that they may develop, exercise, and enhance their critical thinking and research skills. She integrates research and other experiential learning opportunities into coursework. Additionally, she involves students in her research program. Her most recent research focuses on the effects of land use on hellbender salamander habitat and population persistence in the Susquehanna River drainage in Pennsylvania.