Dr. Palmer is a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in the department of Professional Studies in Education. She is dedicated to making higher education accessible and to supporting successful student outcomes. Her expertise is in: (1) parenting, (2) marginalized groups, and (3) applied research and evaluation methods. Through service, she utilizes her expertise, skills, and experience to strengthen her programs, department, college, university, community, and professional field. 

She has experience working in PK-12 education, clinical research, as well as community programs serving children and families.  She has a Bachelor of Art in Art/Art Education from Carlow College, located in Pittsburgh, PA.  She has a Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology (Concentration in Program Design and Evaluation) and a PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.  She was awarded the University of Pittsburgh School of Education 2022 Distinguished Early Career Alumni award. She is also a Certified Family Life Educator (Full Status).