She attended the University of Arizona, Bryn Mawr College, and Havorford College for degrees in astronomy, physics, and Latin. Her research interests include massive star populations and their radiative, mechanical and chemical feedback. She is an editor for New Astronomy Reviews and is a member of the Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics. She participates in numerous scientific organizing committees, and she was the lead organizor of the UM Winter 2009 Theme Semester, The Universe: Yours to Discover. Sally currently serves on several committees including the Faculty Senate Assembly Secretary of the University Advisory Committee and the Board of Advisors for the Exhibit Museum of Natural History.