I’m thrilled to be part of the Rental Property Research Consortium and contribute to this dedicated team of researchers committed to tackling one of the most pressing challenges in housing stability in the US.

My name is Dr. Samuel Mindes, and I’m an Assistant Professor in Rural Sociology at Iowa State University. Since joining the faculty in 2021, my research has examined the social and economic structures shaping rural communities, spanning tourism development, infrastructure challenges, and identity. While my early academic journey focused on international migration, development, and globalization, I found that many challenges affecting rural areas mirror broader global patterns, particularly in resilience and economic stability. My postdoctoral research on social barriers to entrepreneurship among rural populations deepened my understanding of structural constraints. As I explored these challenges to rural resiliency, I saw how other infrastructure challenges, such as housing stability (or the lack of it), can shape opportunities in rural communities, making this issue a natural extension of my work across both rural and urban settings.

Recently, my projects have explored the interplay between infrastructure, access, and disaster recovery, leading me to join the Rental Property Research Consortium. I’m eager to investigate how disasters impact both property owners and tenants and to leverage my expertise in survey methodology and mixed methods research to enhance our understanding of housing stability during these critical times. Through this blog, I look forward to sharing insights and learning from others who are passionate about housing and community resilience.