Previously she taught for four years as an adjunct and visiting professor of political science at Dominican University. She is a former alderman's assistant and building and zoning consultant. She is the co-editor of Twenty-First Century Chicago, and recently co-authored the chapter "The Election of Rahm Emanuel" in Local Politics and Mayoral Elections in the 21st Century: The Keys to City Hall (Routledge). She has also authored many reports on corruption and Chicago City Council.