Throughout her career, Schusler has worked at the interface of people and environment. She conceives of “environment” broadly to include natural and built environments and their biophysical and social dimensions. Habitat destruction and climate change are obvious environmental issues as are racism and poverty. She is especially interested in how community development can simultaneously foster personal well-being, economic vitality, and environmental protection.

Schusler's research focuses on citizen participation and stakeholder engagement in environmental management. For example, she  investigated social learning among stakeholders involved in a participatory planning process that took place against the backdrop of controversy over natural resource management in New York’s East Ontario Basin. She has also documented the practices of educators who engage youth in local environmental action (e.g., habitat restoration, community gardening, policy analysis) and the outcomes of these experiences for young people. Her current research involves examining how participation and learning influence the sustainability of local communities.