Professor Houston joined the Department of Political Science in 2023. Her research relates to the impact of law and regulation on health equity. Prior to joining the department, Professor Houston served as the Director of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights and Senior Policy Advisor for the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine. She previously served as the Lead Public Health Attorney, Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Nebraska, and as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Law, Politics and Society Program at Doane University. She holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law.