Current Projects

Live or work in the Shenandoah Valley and have a question, notice something interesting about your community, or want to chat about how research can help you? Contact Dr. Van Vleet today. We would love to partner with you! 

Developmental Pathways of Queer Clergy in Rural America

Inspired by his dissertation into developmental trajectories of rural-dwelling, queer adults, Dr. Van Vleet is investigating a subset of data from the Red River Rainbow Seniors Oral History Project to understand how queer religious leaders develop their vocational identities in rural America. This work is essential for both theologians and developmentalists as the modern Church wrestles with queer inclusion in religious spaces. Please reach out to Dr. Van Vleet if you are interested in collaborating on this project!

Socialization of Coping Strategies in Rural Appalachia 

Continuing his master's project, Dr. Van Vleet is investigating how parents and guardians teach coping skills to their children in rural Appalachia. Data collection for this project is slated to begin in Spring 2026. Appalachia offers a rich cultural heritage in which to investigate overcoming adversity. Please reach out to Dr. Van Vleet if you are interested in collaborating on this project or are wanting to participate!  

Climate Change and Aging

Leading a collaborative team of researchers at North Dakota State University, Dr. Van Vleet is using global secondary data to investigate predictors of climate change attitudes across adulthood. As climate change accelerates, trust in science diminishes, and the number of aging adults rapidly grows across the globe, understanding climate change perspectives in later life is crucial.