She received her Ph.D. in mathematics from The University of Iowa in 2009 and held positions at Louisiana State University, University of Southern California, and Washington College prior to coming to Richmond. Trained as a topologist, her research applies combinatorial methods to problems in knot theory, representation theory, and graph theory. She is passionate about involving students in her research and building a more inclusive math community. Outside of mathematics, Dr. Russell enjoys exercise, cooking, and spending time with her dog.