Dr. Calef completed doctoral studies in the Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity program at the University of Notre Dame, concentrating in New Testament and Early Christianity.

She joined the faculty of the Department of Theology here at Creighton University in 1995 and was granted tenure in 2001. In December 2002, she was appointed Director of Graduate Studies in Theology.

In addition to teaching biblical studies courses for the department, she teaches in the Christian Spirituality Program and also speaks to church, women's, and other community groups on biblical topics.