An advocate for research-informed approaches to engineering education, equity, and policy, as well as student recruitment and retention efforts, Holloway has made significant contributions nationally as well as at Purdue University, where she has spent her academic career.  Her research areas include women and leadership, particularly in male dominated careers; differential retention issues for women across engineering disciplines; engineering admissions practices; and diversity and equity. 

She is a fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and serves on the Board of Directors as Vice President of Professional Interest Councils, and Chair of Professional Interest Council IV.  She was a charter member of and served on the ASEE Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from 2010 – 2012.  She was president of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN) in 2006-07 and served on WEPAN’s Board of Directors from 2005 – 2008.  Holloway believes in student engagement, and has served as the advisor to the Purdue Society of Women Engineers (SWE) since 2001.  The section has over 700 members.  Since 2015, she has also been the advisor for the Alpha Chapter of Phi Sigma Rho, a national engineering sorority. 

Holloway’s honors include the 2015 ASEE William Elgin Wickenden Award, as lead author, which recognizes the best article published in the Journal of Engineering Education the year prior, the 2016 WEPAN Founders award, the 2016 and 2018 Purdue Panhellenic Advisor of the Year, the 2013 Purdue Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion Award, the 2012 SWE National Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, and the inaugural Phi Sigma Rho National Sorority Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. 

Holloway received both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education, all from Purdue University.  She spent nine years as a research and development engineer at Cummins, Inc.  While at Cummins, she was a recognized corporate engine lubrication system expert, with specialties in piston cooling nozzle and lubrication pump performance.