She studies the deformation of the Earth’s lithosphere. She is especially interested in understanding the mechanisms that produce the continental landscape, including how that landscape is related to the simple forces associated with tectonics and topography. This research uses many different tools, including numerical simulation, GPS geodesy, seismology, and tectonic geomorphology. Working worldwide, she currently has active research projects in the western U.S., Central Asia, Ethiopia, and subduction syntaxes globally. She is also interested in the relationship between scientific research and human societies, especially in the context of geologic hazards.