Her research is both basic and applied, primarily focusing on microbial cycling and flux of carbon and nitrogen in aquatic systems. She is also interested in understanding how human stressors impact aquatic environments and in identifying solutions to offset these impacts, particularly as it pertains to water resource sustainability. Her research group has developed a novel 'blue' technology (eco-WEIRTM, patent pending) that augments green infrastructure to both maximize stormwater-related pollutant removal efficiency as well as allow for water storage and reuse. Cherrier is the inaugural Editor-in-Chief for Limnology and Oceanography e-Lectures and is a Leopold Leadership Fellow for Sustainability as well as a National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science Kalvi Fellow.