My major focus is on text comprehension in the online environment and the adaptation of print-based signaling strategies to writing for the Web. I am particularly interested in how we, as technical communicators and educators, can inform writing for the Web through consideration of user goals; physical settings and modes of access; and individual differences, such as prior knowledge, motivation, and cognitive capacity. As such, I am interested in how learning is facilitated or impeded by the migration of instructional materials to the Web—whether these materials are associated with a traditional face-to-face university classroom, a distance learning course, a corporate training program, or an informational medical Web site.

I am also interested in the development and refinement of Internet-based research methods that facilitate access to real users interacting with materials from their natural environment.

My master's thesis investigated the effect of the explicitness of link wording on user comprehension and perceptions of use. A recent experiment conducted by the research group looked at the effect of previews and navigation menus on comprehension, perceptions, and navigational behavior.