Her research focuses on information organization and knowledge representation methods and tools applied to information systems — digital libraries in particular. In addition to her research on information organization and knowledge representation methods and tools applied to information systems, and the semantic web, Pattuelli is also interested in human information behavior and interaction applied to specific user groups and communities of practice. Pattuelli teaches courses on Knowledge Organization, Cultural Heritage and Human Information Behavior. She received her Ph.D. in Information and Library Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also holds advanced degrees in Philosophy, Cultural Heritage Studies, and Archives from the University of Bologna, Italy.