Her research focuses on the Pre-Colombian & Asian Art and Architecture. The topic of her dissertation is “The Engraved Head Motif on Cupisnique Style Vessels: Innovation and Appropriation in Early Andean Art.” Yumi has taught Art History at Jackson State University, John Tyler Community College, Virginia Commonwealth University, and The Virginia Museum of FIne Arts. She has given invited lectures at Princeton University, the Ancient South American Gallery in Saint Louis Museum of Art, and the Mississippi Museum of Art.