Dr. Cross' research explores risk and resilience to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following traumatic experiences, primarily in the context of poverty; the impact of trauma and PTSD on families; and the relationships among cognitive abilities and PTSD symptoms.
She is also actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and graduate students both in traditional classroom settings and in terms of one-on-one research mentorship. Her courses include topics related to psychometric theory, intellectual assessment, and theories of psychotherapy, with a significant emphasis on evidence-based decision-making, ethics, and diversity across all courses. She also serves as a guest lecturer for other organizations, speaking on topics such as the impact of poverty and racism on mental health.