LaRussa's research is on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Ireland. His interest is in the overlap of socioeconomic inequalities and the social-psychological impact of economic transformations on sectors of society most affected by given economic changes. LaRussa grounds his research in the lived experiences of everyday people through examinations of their oral and written literature as well as the activities and messages of their religious and secular organizations. His interest in history is founded upon his belief that life is political but that there can be no political context without historical context.
LaRussa is from Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to his research, he is also passionate about music (all genres) and soccer. His teams are F.C. Barcelona and Palermo F.C.
