She is a social scientist with a clinical background in recreation therapy. She is a is a faculty member within the Graduate Program for Genetic Counseling and completed a fellowship in Bioethics from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Rothwell's program of research focuses on the ethical, social, and legal implications of genetic and technological advancements on individuals and families specifically within newborn screening, prenatal testing and biobanking. She has extensive experience on qualitative approaches to further understand and advance this research agenda.