Segal's research is in the area of mathematical biology where she works on projects ranging from fluid dynamics of organisms to cell dynamics in disease processes such as wound healing and antibiotic resistant infections to predictive modeling of sickle cell pain and coral growth. She is a principal investigator on two National Science Foundation grants and currently collaborates with VCU colleagues in electrical engineering, chemical and life science engineering, psychology and internal medicine. Recently, Segal served as graduate program director for mathematics. She currently organizes a national research workshop for women in mathematical biology and has served on the executive committee of the Association for Women in Mathematics.

Segal will be replacing Glenn Hurlbert, Ph.D. who worked as chair for the last seven and a half years, during which time he led the department in an increase in research activity and the creation of the Math Exchange.