Dr. Huffman received her Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of South Florida in 1994 specializing in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety. She remained at USF as a faculty Research Associate with the focus of her research on the development of novel methods for the detection and inactivation of waterborne pathogens. She has participated in numerous local, state and national research projects involving the study of water and wastewater treatment, distribution and health effects from known as well as emerging microorganisms.

Her research has resulted in a number of peer reviewed journal publications, book chapters and interviews with major news outlets including Dateline NBC and Tampa Bay Fox13

She retired from the University in 2010 to join Claro Scientific, LLC as their Principal Research Scientist while retaining a Courtesy Faculty appointment at the USF College of Public Health.