Merritt is a scientist, professor, and mom. For the past 30 years, she has led field expeditions across the far north to better understand the impacts of rapid climatic and landscape changes. Her research focuses on issues that are important to ecosystem services, global change, and environmental policy. People living in the north are experiencing the most rapid climate change on the planet, and Merritt aims to help them address what these rapid changes mean for their land, traditional foods, and the quality of their water. For example, permafrost thaw is leading to subsidence, erosion, and flooding that affects the ability of hunters and harvesters to travel across their land and access traditional foods. By conducting user-driven research that also addresses fundamental questions in ecology and global change biology, Merritt strives to build knowledge and capacity for northern communities and governments.  Through research, engagement, and teaching, Merritt’s primary aim is to train the next generation of scientists in the interdisciplinary skills required to tackle ongoing challenges in the north related to food and water security, energy sustainability, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, and landscape change.

Her first creative nonfiction book, Dark Water, Soft Ground, will be released in 2026, detailing her passion for the world's boglands - ethereal, almost magical ecosystems that defy death, tell secrets, and will determine our climate future. Merritt is happiest in, near, or on top of any body of water, or traipsing through a bog looking for carnivorous plants.