She received her masters in international peace studies in 1992 and Ph.D. in sociology in 1995, both from University of Notre Dame. Hart was associate professor of sociology and peace studies at Bethel College in Kansas from 1994 to 2006. Her research has focused on dynamics of social change in political and educational organizations. Currently, her research examines dynamics of significant identity change among anti-war U.S. veterans. Hart has volunteered with Christian Peacemaker Teams each summer since 1997 doing human rights work in Israel/Palestine and currently Colombia. She has lived and worked in Guatemala doing peace and justice education with the Mennonite Church. Hart enjoys gardening, reading, walking and biking.