• International Development, Inequalities (Gender and Social Class), Political Economy, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Dr. Hormel grew up in eastern Washington, an experience that developed in her an appreciation for rural experiences and a strong desire to learn multicultural experiences. Her research expertise includes the areas of international development, political economy, informal work and social inequalities. Fluent in Russian language, Dr. Hormel has studied and researched in Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Armenia and Karabagh. In addition, she is involved in interdisciplinary research that examines the socio-cultural impacts of local communities on Idaho youth's pursuits in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.

• “Gender, Class, and Garment Work Reorganization in Ukraine.” 2011. GENDER. Zeitschrift für Geschlecht, Kultur und Gesellschaft. 
• “Atheism and Secularity in the former U.S.S.R.” 2010. Atheism and Secularity, Volume II, edited by Phil Zuckerman.  Westport, CT: Praeger, 45-71. 
• “Practicing Activism Through Problem-Centered Learning.” 2009. Humanity and Society. 
• Hormel, Leontina M. and Kari M. Norgaard (equally shared authorship). 2009. “Bring the Salmon Home! Karuk Challenges to Capitalist Incorporation.” Critical Sociology. 
• Hormel, Leontina M. and Caleb Southworth. “Eastward Bound: A case study of post-Soviet labor migration from a rural Ukrainian town.” 2006. Europe-Asia Studies.   

• Micron STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education Research Project, 2010-2014
• The Micron STEM education research project will collect and analyze data on the needs, attitudes and contextual variables associated with student underperformance in STEM education in Idaho. The goal in the analysis is to identify barriers to STEM interest and competency, which will enhance policy discussion and practices aimed toward strengthening STEM education, increasing student participation and achievement in the State of Idaho. Leontina is the lead coordinator for the focus group phase of this project and will work with team members to design and implement the statewide survey. 

• Research & Scholarship: Research Team Member, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Research Initiative. Micron Technology Foundation, 2010-2014. ($1,202,800.00)
• Research & Scholarship: Kurt Olsson Early Career Research Fellowship, CLASS, “Exploring the Intersections of Race, Class, and Gender in Understandings of STEM Education among Idaho State Education Policy Leaders.” ($9,000)
• Mentorship in Student Research: Student Grant Program, U.I. Research Office, 2010. Corrie Ellis, Student recipient. "A Qualitative Study of Women's Work in Quito, Ecuador."
• Teaching: Outstanding Faculty Award, Disabilities Support Services, 2010
• Mentorship: Award for Excellence, Alumni Office, 2009 & 2010