She began teaching at NMSU as an assistant professor in 2002. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Albuquerque Speech, Language, and Hearing Center from 1998–2002. She has held several positions at the University of New Mexico, including the Centers for Disease Control Program Manager at the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Dissemination and Evaluation Specialist. Dr. Forster-Cox was Equity Health Care Program Health Director of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe from 1988–1990. She was the Battered Families Services Executive Director from 1982–1985 and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia from 1977–1979. Dr. Forster-Cox received a B.S. from the University of Northern Colorado, an M.P.H. from the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.