Her primary area of focus is Medieval Romance—tales of adventure, magic, chivalry, faith, and fantasy. With its stirring conflicts and dramatic story arcs, not to mention humor, romance reflects both the real conflicts of the day and the desires of the audience. She also studies medievalism, the ways that the romances of medieval Britain have made their way into contemporary arts, specifically English author Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels. In her teaching of the Middle Ages, she strives to bring both the humanity and diversity of the period to students. Understanding the past is crucial to understanding the present.