She was the first American researcher to start a program of Kangaroo Care research in the U.S. She was also the first researcher to be funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Nursing Research, to test the safety and efficacy of Kangaroo Care with continuing care preterms. She has completed an extensive program of Kangaroo Care research, examining the safety and effects with preterm and low birth weight infants undergoing continuing care, mechanical ventilation, nasal CPAP, and phototherapy.