Substantively, her research focuses on the intersection between societal changes, such as urbanization and the transition from socialism to market economy, and social demographic behaviors, in particular migration and labor force participation. Korinek has been involved in international, interdisciplinary research projects focused on social and demographic change in Vietnam and Thailand. Her inquiries highlight the ways that gender, family and other institutions contribute to emerging stratification in occupational attainment, earnings, remittance, and residential outcomes among migrants.