I began my scholarly life as an empirical researcher investigating writing pedagogy, but now my research area more broadly includes composition studies and contemporary rhetorical theory and practice. Much of my scholarship, even if not about pedagogy, grows from my work as a teacher (and teacher of teachers) of academic analysis and argument, concerned with what it takes to make students aware of how language and visual representations invite us to occupy various positions as readers and rhetors. I also write about institutional issues, particularly efforts to reconfigure divisions and hierarchies in English studies through new collaborations between and among faculty, graduate instructors, and pre-service and veteran high school teachers.

In my current project, I am investigating issues of rhetorical agency in the "new confession" – in autobiography, reality television, and the classroom. I am also editing a collection of essays with Kristine Hansen on bridging high school and college English, The ’Taking Care of’ Business: College Credit for Writing in High School.

I am currently the Director of Composition. Previously I have served as associate and acting chair of the department. I teach courses in writing, rhetoric and composition theory, and literature. I also coordinate the dual-credit college composition course for Indiana high school teachers as part of IU’s Advance College Project.