She has written numerous papers on the use of initiatives and referendums in California and other states. Her expertise in this area led to her involvement with the California Constitution Revision Commission and their efforts to restructure the states constitution. She has also studied differences in electoral laws in the United States and their effects on election outcomes and representation. This work led to her involvement as an expert witness in the states defense of Proposition 198, The Open Primary Act. Gerber holds an A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Michigan.