Kelly Lyons' current research interests include service science, social computing, collaboration, and business intelligence. Her interest in service science results from her general interest in the application of technology in order to positively impact specific domains while taking into consideration the cultural and social implications of applying technology in those domains.

Establishing a research and teaching program in service science requires a multidisciplinary approach. It must combine knowledge about computing and technology with the social and cultural implications of how technology will be used in a specific business or societal service domain. Kelly is a computer scientist at heart and a proud member of the computer science community. She is also very interested in how research advances in computer science can be made in order to impact something of importance (perhaps even change the world); and, she is fascinated by how these advances require understanding of and participation by people and society.