She earned a PhD in Social Work from Florida State University. Her research interests include empathy, empathy measurement, poverty, conation and issues related to Latino populations. She co-authored a social work textbook with Dr. Elizabeth Segal and Dr. Sue Steiner "An Introduction to the Profession: Becoming a Change Agent." They are currently working on the fourth edition. Many of Dr. Gerdes' publications focus on how students learn and process information. Dr. Gerdes has been nominated for the ASU Parents Association Professor of the Year Award and in 2010 was recognized with a university-wide Faculty Achievement Award as an Outstanding Professor in Undergraduate Education.