University of North Texas 
Rashel Hariford
Sociology
Master's Student
Fields: LGBTQ+, Sports, Edgework, Qualitative Research
Sycamore 201D
Master's Thesis Title
"The Queer Climb to Altitude: Joy and Embodiment Through Skydiving"
Research Interests
Rashel Hariford's current research is about how LGBTQ+ individuals find and experience
joy and embodiment in the sport of skydiving. They completed all their data collection
during the summer of 2026 and have not yet defended their proposal.
Grants/Funded Awards
Voertman-Ardoin Liberal Arts Scholarship, 2025-2026