Polite way to ask professor's graduate research topics and if any matches an specific area currently I'm applying for a specific university I had an exchange program couple years ago, and I asked one specific professor about a recommendation letter, also stated I had the desire to work alongside her as her assistant (being a TA or RA). I'm still waiting for the results (fall 2017), but I would like to ask her which researches she is conducting right now (her focus is software engendering), and if any is with web/mobile development (areas where I have work experience.

Thanks, guys!
Researching a professor's recent publications is a great way to understand their focus, expertise and experience. How many publications have they produced, in the last 5-10 years? Additionally after performing this type of research it is possible to email them directly asking any additional questions you may have about their research focus.