Her research focuses broadly on families and health, with particular emphasis on the well-being of women in family life. This has included the study of breast cancer survivorship as well as exploring the Red Hat Society as a venue for care work for self. She teaches courses in research methodologies, later life families, women and gender studies, and couple relationships. Currently, she serves on the National Lymphedema Network’s Research Advisory Committee, as chair of the National Council on Family Relations’ Family and Health Section, and on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Family Theory and Review.