Dr. Casanova earned a BA in International Studies from the University of Alabama, MS in Rural Sociology and PhD in Forestry from Auburn University with postgraduate training in the fields of labor studies and public health. She joined the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler in 2013 and devotes her time to teaching, research, and service for the School of Community and Rural Health (Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences).

Dr. Casanova is the director of the NIOSH-funded Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education. She previously served as the Applied Research Manager. Her research focuses on health and safety outcomes in forestry/logging workers. The SW Ag Center has an established record of conducting comprehensive research that addresses the needs of workers in agriculture, commercial fishing, and forestry across Public Health Region 6.

She also serves as research mentor to junior faculty, residents, and students new to the field of agricultural occupational safety and health.