She studies the challenges facing women in politics as candidate, lawmakers, and voters. Her current research investigates how and when voters rely on gender stereotypes to evaluate female candidates. She uses an interdisciplinary apporach to understanding the dynamics of gender stereotypes in political campaigns by incorporating theories from psychology, mass communication, and political science. By examining the adveritsing strategies and news coverage of female candidates, Bauer’s research shows that gender stereotypes can, but do not always, limit the ability of women to win elections. Her research is published in a number of peer-reviewed academic journals including Political Psychology, Political Behavior, and Politics, Groups, and Identities.