She received her bachelor's degree, cum laude, from Harvard University, and her PhD in Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research interests range from algebraic number theory to the use of statistics in social science. A current project, analyzing LAPD traffic stop data and focusing on the issue of racial profiling, has led to joint work with Dr. Kaaryn Gustafson of the University Connecticut School of Law and presentations for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles (CHIRLA). Committed to civil rights advocacy, she serves on the board of the Barbara Jordan/Bayard Rustin Coalition, an African-American LGBT advocacy organization in Los Angeles.