She received her PhD in Experimental Psychology from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada where she conducted research on learning and memory processes in rats. Upon completion of her dissertation she worked as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. Since her arrival at William & Mary in 2007, she has taught courses in developmental and health Psychology and Research Methods. She also conducts research that focuses on understanding how early experiences play a role in the development of flavor and food preferences and addictive behaviors in children and adults. Her research has been funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research and the National Institutes of Health.