Maria’s scholarship has focused on Dr. Helen Sawyer Hogg, the pioneering Canadian-American astronomer and science communicator, leading her to complete her dissertation, publish an article, and write a biography of Hogg. Her major research subject is how scientists translate specialized knowledge for public audiences, especially through writing, journalism, lectures, books, television, and other media. Her dissertation focused on Hogg’s rhetorical strategies, public outreach, and role as a pioneering woman in astronomy.

Maria’s writing ranges from nonfiction to fiction and focuses on strong female subjects. Most recently, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada published Maria's biography, Astronomer Helen Sawyer Hogg: One Woman’s Journey with the Stars. (See below.) Maria also co-authored a professional communication textbook and edited the upper-elementary novel Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats, by Jeffrey Hope. (See below.)

Maria is currently writing a novel and co-editing (with Dr. Philip W. Jacobs) a biography of artist Anne Ryan (20th-century American artist, collagist, and abstract expressionist) associated with Atelier 17 in NYC. (See below.) Maria recently moved from Bangor, Maine, to Columbia, South Carolina. She has, however, lived in every corner of the United States and places in between.

When not writing, Maria enjoys being a mom to her three adult children, riding her Peloton bike+, hiking along the Saluda River with her lab, chilling at the beach with her husband of over 30 years, and participating in animal rescue.  She also admits to being a nerd and a die-hard Star Wars AND Star Trek fan.