Her professional interests are in social and environmental justice, environmental justice pedagogy in higher education, sustainable food systems and urban socio-ecological systems. Her Ph.D. is in Anthropology (Environment, Science and Technology and Urban Ecology focus) from Arizona State University and her M.S. is in Environmental Studies and Certificate in Not-for-Profit Management from University of Oregon. Her academic training has been punctuated by sustainability work in the private sector with environmental consulting companies and NGOs.