McIntosh is a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) Earth 4D: Subsurface Science and Exploration Program.
McIntosh is a hydrogeochemist who works at the interface of hydrology, geochemistry, and microbiology to understand micro (pore) to macro (continental scale) processes throughout the earth’s crust. She has received numerous awards for her research, teaching, and student mentoring, including the USGS Star Award, UA Distinguished Scholar Award, and Blitzer Award for teaching physics-related sciences. She regularly serves as a technical expert for the US EPA, National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, and Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board. Her students and postdocs have gone on to positions in academia, government agencies and environmental consulting.