Her research focuses on optimizing palliative and supportive care for patients with cancer and their families. She is also interested in enhancing patient-clinician communication and decision-making about end-of-life care. Dr. Temel was recently awarded a mid-career development award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to enhance her efforts devoted to patient oriented research and mentoring. She has received grant funding from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquer Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, NINR and NCI.