Maria's research interests lie in the law and policy of environmental protection. She is particularly interested in the ways we make decisions on environmental matters, including in areas of high technological complexity and controversy. She concentrates on the governance of decision making, examining the ways in which law implicates issues like the use of expertise or public participation. 

Maria is currently pursuing these ideas in two key areas: the ways in which environmental groups use legal expertise; and in planning law.  Maria has also been working on the implications of Brexit for environmental law.