She is a bioarchaeologist whose research focuses on the excavation and analysis of burials in the ancient Nile Valley (Egypt and Nubia). Through the examination of human skeletal remains and mortuary practices at Tombos and numerous collections from additional Nile Valley sites, she examines the effects of Nubian-Egyptian contact on identity and health during the New Kingdom and Napatan periods using paleopathological, isotopic, and biodistance methods. She has co-directed research at Tombos since 2000.