Her scholarship broadly concerns women with chronic and disabling conditions with a focus on ischemic stroke. In her research Dr. Beal has explored how women interpret and respond to the symptoms of ischemic stroke prior to their arrival at the emergency department. A recent focus is stroke awareness among African American women. Dr. Beal currently is working with a community advisory group to pilot test a web-based stroke education resource for African American women. Dr. Beal received a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin where she completed a portfolio in women and gender studies with a specialization in women and health.