Dr. Coverdale teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in equine nutrition. She also directs research in equine nutrition with an interest in forage utilization and hindgut fermentation. Previous research has focused on the use of by-product feeds, effectiveness of probiotic preparations, passive immunity in foals, and nutritional influences on equine exercise physiology. Future research goals include investigating nutritional requirements for optimal growth and development in young horses, energy metabolism of exercising horses, and nutritional influences on reproduction.

She has received numerous teaching and research awards including the Excellence in Teaching Award from Iowa State University, recognized as a Faculty Member that Contributes to Career Development at the University of Georgia, and second place in the nutrition section of the Graduate Student Competition at the Equine Science Society meetings. Professional memberships include the Equine Science Society, American Society of Animal Science, American Society of Dairy Science, and North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.