Darcie Vandegrift researches and teaches on social, cultural and political trends among young adults, such as employment, youth in cities, family relations, and youth protest movements. Her work considers how cities, societies, and institutions can better create belonging and compassion for youth. She has expertise on Latin American culture and society, including the youth culture and race and ethnic relations in the region. She has been a Fulbright Scholar to Venezuela and Costa Rica. Additionally, Vandegrift writes on gender and the family, such as gender roles and kids, work/life balance, women and work issues, and stay-at-home dads.