She is interested in the history of migrants living in the 19th and 20th century Western United States. Her publications explore how different facets of migrants’ identities – race, class, gender, and citizenship standing – shape their perceptions of consumerism and material culture. Her research has been featured in a number of media outlets, including Japan’s Fuji News, Al Jazeera America, PRI’s (Public Radio International) The World, Germany’s Der Spiegel Online, CBS San Francisco, and The Associated Press. Her newest research project concerns the archaeology of Santa Barbara, California’s Japanese American community prior to their incarceration during World War II.