Dr. Maxwell is Professor of Human-Environment Relations and the Facility Planning and Management specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension. She is a member of the graduate faculty in Human-Environment Relations. Her primary research interests are related to children's environments. However Professor Maxwell also has an interest in environments for special populations such as the elderly and persons with Alzheimer's disease. Masters theses topics pursued by her graduate students have included nursing home and childbirth hospital settings, family settings for social interaction, preschool outdoor environments, ergonomic issues for middle school children, and elementary school classrooms that support socio-emotional development. Professor Maxwell's Extension and Outreach responsibilities include providing training in the planning and design of childcare settings for the childcare industry and working with elementary school teachers and administrators on issues related to classroom design. Professor Maxwell also works with small businesses and not-for-profits on issues related to workspace planning.

Professor Maxwell co-directs with Professor Gary Evans and Verdene Lee the Human Ecology Partnership Program. The program provides peer mentors and faculty partners to incoming freshmen and transfer students of color to the College of Human Ecology. She is also a Faculty Fellow in the Townhouse residential community. Dr. Maxwell is a member of the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International and the Environmental Design Research Association.