Vicki has a research reputation in the combined fields of Australian Studies and Tourism, with particular emphasis on Cultural Tourism, the Backpacker and Student Tourism markets. Across these interdisciplinary interests, Vicki's research themes have consistently addressed issues of historical and contemporary educational and youth travel experience and the spatial relationship and dynamic that underpins tourism at heritage places. Vicki has researched as part of an Australian wide team on cultural tourism projects funded by the Sustainable Tourism Centre for Cooperative Research. These studies explored the landscape, commercial application and stakeholder role of Cultural Tourism development in Australia. More recently she has received funding from Tourism Victoria to study the impact of international Working Holiday Makers on the independent travel market to Australia. She is currently co-authoring a book on the past, present and future of the travel guidebook with Anders Sorensen to be published by Channel View, UK. She has provided professional commentary in areas of Tourism for the Age, the Herald Sun and CNNN Asia and referees for leading journals in the field of tourism including Tourism Management and Tourism, Culture and Communication.

Vicki's approach to teaching and program management has reflected an obligation to deliver a high level professional tourism degree directed at positive learning and career outcomes for all students. She firmly believes in the importance of students' integration with the industry during their course and the educational value of fieldwork for all students aiming for a successful career in tourism. Vicki was a joint recipient of the Faculty of Arts Dean's Teaching Awards in 2010.

Vicki is an experienced HDR supervisor working in the areas of independent tourism, cultural tourism, and tourism as a tool for sustainable tourism development.

She is currently convenor of the Faculty of Arts Postgraduate Coursework Committee and Honours Committee and Deputy Director of the National Centre for Australian Studies.