Professor Howell's scholarship focuses on the intersection of the criminal justice system and race. She is particularly interested in the effects of policing of minor offenses and alleged gang affiliations and the impact such policing has on the legitimacy of the criminal justice system and communities of color. Before joining academia, Babe was a practicing trial lawyer in the area of criminal defense in New York City for eight years. During this time she worked at both The Legal Aid Society Criminal Defense Division in Manhattan and at The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.