Leontina Hormel grew up in Ephrata, Washington. Many of Ephrata's residents are economically tied to farming and the Grand Coulee Dam. Growing up here, Hormel became keenly aware of how rural people can oftentimes feel invisible politically and how their livelihoods can be integrally tied to government development projects, like the Grand Coulee Dam. The research Hormel has pursued since becoming a sociologist has in one way or another always been influenced by her experiences growing up with folks in Ephrata.
Her research expertise includes the areas of political economy, international development, social and environmental inequalities. Being fluent in Russian language, obtained at Eastern Washington University, Hormel has studied and researched in Ukraine, the Russian Federation, Armenia and Karabagh. Her current research brings her closer home to the state of Idaho.
She has studied STEM education experiences in Idaho communities and is currently involved in two community action research projects. One project examines how Nez Perce cultural and environmental values shape community livelihoods and resilience in the Clearwater Basin. The second project seeks to understand the experiences of Syringa Trailer Park residents as they try to maintain homeownership rights in the midst water crises. Both community action projects illuminate the politics of securing community rights to healthy social and ecological systems.