Barnhardt’s research focuses on how universities contribute to democracy and civic life, domestically and internationally, through the lens of university governance, administration, and policy and politics. This focus has prompted her to examine: campus-based activism and mobilization, stakeholder tactics, university leaders' public advocacy, campus climate perceptions, and private foundation activity in the higher education sector. She teaches graduate courses on higher education administration, policy, organizational behavior and management in postsecondary institutions, and research methods.