She received her Ph.D in Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan in 2003, where she studied the impacts of learning environments on students' motivation and behavior in school. Her research interests are focused on school climate and safety and the translation of research-to-practice in violence prevention efforts. Dr. Marachi served as Co-Chair of the Safe Schools and Communities Subcommittee of the American Educational Research Association from 2009-2012. She is currently working in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Office of the Public Defender on the School Engagement and Suspension Alternatives Project (SESAP).