Her research interests include applied microbial systems, biofilm processes, wastewater treatment and reuse, and phytoremediation bioremediation.
[16] However, subsequent investigation by the university's Office of General Counsel revealed that Banks was significantly, unethically, and illegally involved in the process, was aware of these changes, and attempted to cover it up.
[17] On Monday, July 17, 2023, the interim dean of the Texas A&M College of Arts and Sciences, José Luis Bermúdez, stepped down.
[18] Two days later, the Texas A&M Faculty Senate passed a resolution to create a fact-finding committee into the mishandling of the hiring of McElroy.
During that meeting,[19] Banks admitted that the debacle was embarrassing and said "I take responsibility for it as I should, as the president of the university," although she claimed neither her, nor her office, or the Board of Regents had revised the original contract that was offered.
[20] She also told faculty members that she did not approve changes to an offer letter that led McElroy to walk away from negotiations amid conservative backlash to her hiring.
In her resignation letter to Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, she wrote"The recent challenges regarding Dr. McElroy have made it clear to me that I must retire immediately.