Her research combines field investigations and modeling to reveal thermal and airflow patterns that cannot be fully revealed by either approach alone. The intent of this work is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ultimately helping architects and engineers develop climate-responsive passive and hybrid heating and cooling systems with greater confidence. Previously, as a microbial ecologist, she investigated aspects of biohydrogen production, bioremediation, forest ecology, and atmospheric chemistry, and she welcomes discussions of the roles of ecological ideas in building design. She holds an M.Arch. from the University of Oregon, a Ph.D. in Biology from MIT, and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Harvard.