Marshall is recognized by the US Business Leadership Network and others as a leader in disability inclusion in STEM. Research has shown that most geoscientists think that physical ability is necessary for a successful career in geology, and disabled people are severely underrepresented in geology. After the accident that left her disabled, she decided not to give up on research, even though it was physically challenging. She told
PBS NewsHour, "If you think about it, the moon is also inaccessible. Mars is inaccessible. And yet we do science on them anyway." She led the GeoSPACE Project, an NSF-funded project that seeks to enable students with limited mobility to participate in geology field work. The research team uses technology and collaborative teamwork to allow for full participation of student with disabilities in the field or working from home. Marshall is a member of the
Choctaw Nation and advocates for increased diversity in STEM across multiple types of identities. As a disabled indigenous woman in geoscience, she represents several groups that are
underrepresented in STEM fields. In 2023, Marshall became an Excellence in JEDI awardee. This award recognizes exemplary contributions in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the geosciences through mentorship, scholarly additions that support JEDI, or encouraging communication about these topics. dMarshall led an accessible field trip to Lost Lake in the
San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California in September 2024. The team, which included scientists and students with hearing, vision, and mobility impairments, investigated the region around the
San Andreas Fault. Drone footage was used by participants who were unable to visit some sites to observe the environment personally. Restrictions do not hinder effective scientific work, as Marshall noted when he said, "Just because you can’t do it like someone else doesn’t mean you can’t do it." Additional research includes studying subsurface structures with geophysical techniques, including magnetic surveys. == Awards ==