Prior to joining the University in 1990, Professor Salter was Professor and acting Vice-President Academic at Simon Fraser University. Her prolific writing in both the academic and governmental spheres make Professor Salter a well-known expert in the areas of communication and interdisciplinary research. Among the several books she has authored are Interdisciplinary Research: Issues and Problems, Mandated Science and Communication Studies in Canada, Playing Politics with Information. She has also written numerous articles with respect to regulation and public policy in Canada.

Professor Salter has prepared various technical briefs for provincial, territorial and federal government departments, and has given testimony in many proceedings including the hearing of a special panel of the Canadian Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission. In total, she has been a consultant to eight Royal Commissions, and in 1992 her professional contributions were recognized with an appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.