Her lab explores molecular processes at interfaces and uses in situ tools to address how these modify the way that materials assemble and disassemble. She is particularly interested in biomineralization, hierarchical assembly of nanomaterials, corrosion, and the fundamental physics of growth and dissolution underlying each. She currently studies growth dynamics at electrified interfaces with applications in batteries, catalysis, and exchange spring magnets. She is the recipient of the 2002 Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering for her work in biomineralization and was made a Fellow of the American Physical Society. She is an active member of the scientific community and has served on the Board of Directors of the Materials Research Society and the executive committee of the American Association for Crystal Growth.