Sarah's scholarly pursuits were inspired by a teenage love affair with The Beatles and early attachment to the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, leading to the exciting and provocative study of American and popular music of the 20th century. Her research has led to studies in concert programming and how to present works of all eras in a relevant and engaging manner to audiences of the 21st Century. She also works in developing pedagogical practices which engage undergraduates and the public in meaningful ways. 

 She is an active choral, 20th Century, electronic, and avant-garde performer. Recent performance include vocal works or Harry Partch, Pierrot Lunaire and Sequenza III with the UW Modern Ensemble, Inverted Space, and a recital as part of the Festival of Ives. Collaborations and ensembles include The Liminal Project, Seattle Modern Orchestra, The Fisher Ensemble, The Mägi Ensemble, The Esoterics, and UW Chamber Singers. Electronic collaborations have been presented at TEDx, SIFF, and the Jack Straw New Media Gallery. 

Sarah is a doctoral candidate under the advisory of Professor Larry Starr. Masters Thesis: Stripping the Veneer and Exposing a Symbol in Mendes's 'Cabaret.' Current research: Sondheim and Weidman's Pacific Overtures, the Modernist musical activities of Jikken Kōbō, 1960s Girl Groups, Harry Partch, and the effects of music on dramatic narrative in musical theatre and performance art.