Mary is currently the Principle Investigator for an exploratory research project investigating the emerging nanobiotech sector developing in Philadelphia and the societal impacts stakeholders in its development are considering, including bioethical concerns. From 2005-2006, Mary served as Principal Investigator for “Spinning Science: The Nanotech Industry and Financial News”, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)’s Science in Society Programme. In this position she conducted a one year qualitative, ethnographic study examining the primary relationship between financial news sources—the scientists and public relations agents working in the emerging nanotechnology sector—and the science and financial journalists covering the field.