She has conducted primate field research in Central and South America (Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica), as well as participating in paleontological projects in Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa). Her previous research in Brazil focused on callimico (Callimico goeldii), a poorly known and vulnerable callitrichid monkey, which forms groups with two closely-related species red-bellied tamarins and saddle-backed tamarins. She tries to integrate conservation into her research, and is involved with conservation efforts in her current home state of Illinois as well.