Professor Tanaka's research primarily focuses on the role of agricultural science and technology in reconfiguring the relationship between production and consumption in the global context. Her recent work examines knowledge politics surrounding food safety, healthy food, agricultural sustainability, and food localization. Beside the Sociology program, she teaches courses in the Sustainable Agriculture Program in the College of Agriculture and the UK Honor’s Program. Dr. Tanaka also directs the UK Asia Center which provides instructional and outreach programs on Asian societies and cultures for UK community members and Kentuckians.