For the 2021 International Studies Research Lab at UIUC, Dr. Elder created a white paper that explores the religious experiences of Asian women in the US and internationally, titled "Exploring Asian American Women's Religious Lives". This research formed the core for a course, Comparative Studies: Religious Studies 2370, which challenges students to examine the roles of Asian women in creating and sustaining religious communities. The class highlights personal stories, scriptures and creeds, spiritual disciplines, art, festivals, religious discrimination, and the roles of women in religion.

For the 2022 ISRL, Dr. Elder will be researching the religious lives, stories, and music of Muslim women in Ho, Ghana.