Montoya continues to be an active member of the following professional organizations: American Association for Aerosol Research (A.A.A.R.); American Society of Civil Engineers (A.S.C.E.); Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (A.E.E.S.P.); International Society of Exposure Analysis (I.S.E.A.); Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (S.H.P.E.), life member; Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (S.A.C.N.A.S.), life member; and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society. She has also served as a member of Board of Directors (2004-2007); Chair of Membership Committee (2004-2005); Chair of Health Effects Working Group (2003-2004); Editor Particulars - Newsletter of the A.A.A.R. (2002-2003); Chair of Bylaws Committee (2001-2002); and Chair of the Indoor Air Working Group (1999-2000).

Professor Montoya's research focuses on the study of air pollution (especially particulate matter, a.k.a. aerosols) and its health effects on humans. Her previous research work involved the characterization of common indoor airborne pollutants (i.e., allergens), the development of tools and techniques to detect/measure air pollutants and to assess the human exposure to these agents. Dr. Montoya's research impacts the fields of particles, biotechnology, air resources, and pollution.