For her doctoral and early-career research, Vicki focused on seismic behavior and rehabilitation of historic structures. She conducted both experimental and analytical research studies aimed at a better understanding of the response of historic, masonry structures in earthquakes. Vicki also worked to develop strategies to retrofit these structures to improve their seismic response and safety. Drawn by a desire to teach, she became a faculty member at the Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo in the Department of Architectural Engineering where she spent over eight years and was awarded tenure. In addition to teaching, she continued working on research with students focused on the seismic response of buildings. After relocating to New England, she first took a position as the Associate Director of the Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning and later a position as an Instructional Professor at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. Her research at Dartmouth shifted to engineering education, though she continues to work with students to develop strategies for designing and building affordable, earthquake-resistant structures. Her engineering education research focuses on diversity in engineering, with regards to both gender and race, as well as the development of approaches to engage students from middle school through college in engineering.