Dr. Lupton plans and conducts a research program dealing with wool, mohair and cashmere that provides information as an aid in improving fiber production, quality, value and marketing. Using the unique capabilities of the Wool and Mohair Research Laboratory in San Angelo, Lupton researches areas of high national priority with the USDA and scientists from universities across the United States.

In 1988, Lupton served on a Western Sheep Task Force that produced a report on the status of the western sheep industry and proposed roles for land-grant institutions that would enable them to lead the industry into the 21st century. That same year, he was invited to make a presentation on marketing objectively measured animal fibers at USDA Secretary Lyng's Agricultural Products Quality and Competitiveness Conference in St. Louis.

Professional memberships include the American Society for Testing and Materials, the Textile Institute, the International Goat Association, the American Society of Animal Science, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and Phi Psi Textile Fraternity.