Susan’s research interests focus on the creation, preservation and conservation treatment of books, papers, and non-traditional library materials.  The materials and techniques used to create objects of cultural heritage as well as methods and ethics of conservation treatment are always of interest.  Current projects reflect the collections of Northwestern University Library - particularly their special collections – and include books created using arsenic and other hazardous heavy metal pigments, 20^th c. contemporary art, Arabic manuscripts, and stain reduction among other subjects.  Susan has been active for decades in educating others in preservation and conservation.

Susan is a Fellow member of the American Institute for Conservation, the highest peer-reviewed membership category.