The NSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) seeks to "support junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations."

Godwin's research focuses on increasing female enrollment in engineering, how students' attitudes and beliefs affect their choices and their learning, and how to improve engineering education for all students – especially those from underrepresented groups. She also was an NSF Graduate Research Fellow for her work on female empowerment in engineering, which won the National Association for Research in Science Teaching 2015 Outstanding Doctoral Research Award.

Godwin's recent award brings to 13 the number of CAREER awards received by current or former ENE faculty.