Her research covers the biology of stresses, cells, disease, immunity and symbiosis.
She was awarded the Dorothy Hill Medal for science, from the Australian Academy of Science, for research on coral reef, stresses and impacts of temperature on coral health.
[3] Ainsworth has also identified a range of novel intracellular bacteria which may play a role in the success of corals.
Ainsworth has published studies on the impacts of rising water temperatures on corals.
[4] Selected peer-reviewed journal articles include the following: She has also published a book: Ainsworth has published on coral reefs and marine science within The Conversation,[9] where together with researchers from other Australian universities, she described the impacts of coral bleaching, in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park.