Professor Centeno is interested in a broad range of problems in Computer Science. Her past research areas included management of power, energy and temperature on data centers, and optimization to reduce the length of stay of patients in emergency rooms. Currently she is interested in computer science education, particularly to reduce the gender and minority gaps in the field. 

Professor Centeno holds a B.S. (UCPel), M.S. (UFRGS and Stony Brook Universities) and Ph.D. (Rutgers University) degrees in Computer Science.