She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of Florida and completed a doctoral dissertation focused on identifying the predictors of true and false guilty pleas. This dissertation earned her an award from the American Psychology-Law Society. Dr. Henderson was also awarded the 2014-15 Teaching/Graduate Assistant of the Year award during her time with the University of Florida. Dr. Henderson's research interests also include psychology and law. She has conducted research on juror decision-making, plea-bargaining, and plea decisions. Her most recent research grant explores the impact that attorney credibility, trustworthiness, and effects of gender have on plea decision-making. This research grant was awarded through the Portland State University Hatfield Public Service Grant Program.