Dr. Burkell’s research focuses on the empirical study of the interaction between people and technology, with a particular emphasis on the role of cognition in such interactions. Specific aspects of this research include the impact of presentation on information use and understanding, the design of human-computer interfaces, and the social impact of technology. With respect to this latter topic, she is interested in the impact of computer mediation on communication and the perception of self. Much of this work focuses on anonymity in online communication, examining how the psuedonymity offered by online communication is experienced by online communicators, and how this experience changes communication behaviour and interpretation. Dr. Burkell is also involved in research on the credibility of online information and information sources. Part of this work will focus on intelligent agents and virtual representatives as information sources, examining whether the credibility of these sources is assessed according to the same criteria used to establish the credibility of human information sources.

Dr. Burkell teaches a variety of courses relevant to her research methodology expertise and her research interests. She teaches research methods at both the graduate and undergraduate level, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative methods. In addition, she teaches courses on the social impact of technology, human-computer interface design and information design.