Reno's research is in theoretical particle physics with a focus on neutrino interactions and detection, for which she was recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Society. Funded by the Department of Energy and NASA grants, her research exploits the connections between measurements in particle accelerator experiments and calculations of high energy interactions of cosmic rays and cosmic neutrinos.

Research interests

• Theoretical elementary particle physics
• Astroparticle physics

Research

• Phenomenology: calculations to support accelerator, cosmic-ray and neutrino experiments
• Applying the standard model in neutrino physics theory; applying perturbative QCD corrections to particle interactions
• Students gain skills with computer symbolic and numerical methods; programming in Fortran and other languages
• Students participate in weekly seminar on particle and nuclear physics

In addition to her research accomplishments, Reno teaches students at all levels, from introductory undergraduate courses through graduate seminars, and has mentored six PhD students through the completion of their degrees.

In 2019, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences named Reno a Collegiate Fellow, the college's highest honor for faculty. The college also recognized her excellence in research and teaching by naming her a Dean's Scholar in 2000, and in 2003, the UI Office of the Provost named her a Faculty Scholar. Her appointment as Erich Funke Professor began on July 1, 2021.

Reno, who served as chair of the UI Department of Physics and Astronomy from 2009 to 2014, is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. 

Reno earned her PhD in physics from Stanford University. Before joining the UI faculty in 1990, she was a postdoctoral researcher at the Fermi National Accelerator Center and a visiting faculty member at the Centro de Investigacion y Estudios Avanzados in Mexico City.