Her work with the Appalachian Peoples Project has led she and her students to a deeper investigation into the lives of the miners of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region, particularly in Murray City and New Straitsville. A prestigious University Professor Award Recipient at OU, she teaches a wide range of courses including Biological and Forensic Anthropology. Nancy supports efforts to bring history to life in the region serving as an volunteer with the New Straitsville History Group and the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council.