Her research uses remotely-sensed imagery and other geospatial data in complex models to predict the fate of non-point source pollutants and identify their sources, consider potential growth scenarios, and document watershed processes. This has been tested in the historically mined area of the Patagonia Mountains of Arizona to track acid-mine drainage and locate sinks. She has explored how virtual models can predict pollution rates and measure consequences of abatement under varying management regimes in scenarios along the U.S.-Mexico border over the past 20 years. Most recently she is using her skills to improve restoration-site selection and design, assess restoration efforts, and predict the effects of climate and land-use change. Norman has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles on a wide-range of topics including environmental health, cross-border policy, regional planning, ecosystem services and restoration design.