She received her undergraduate education from the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development with a minor in Chemistry in May 2004. While working towards her degree, Dr. Stafford participated in a research project on cell growth in a Drisopholla Melanogaster (fruit fly) genetics laboratory, and presented this research at several undergraduate research conferences. Dr. Stafford continued her education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where she worked on several research projects through a research scholarship granted by the Dental School. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in May 2008.