She joined the University of Miami faculty in 2007 after serving as research faculty at the Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research in the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida State University. Her recent work has focused on equity-focused policy analyses using an intersectionality-based policy analysis framework while a Visiting Research Scholar at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute from 2015-2018. Dr. Cavendish’s interdisciplinary research focus includes the practices and processes in schools and other social institutions (e.g., criminal justice system) that facilitate and support successful transition of special education, juvenile-justice involved, and foster care youth. She has published over 50 articles and research and policy reports on this topic.