Brian Thiede is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State University. His research interests focus on Rural Sociology and Demography, exploring the social dynamics and demographic changes in rural areas. Thiede's work integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze populations, seeking to understand the complex relationships that shape rural communities. He is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of rural sociological issues and has contributed to various academic publications in the field.