Ward Keeler researches the performing arts, language and culture in Burma. He has written about Javanese shadow plays (wayang kulit) and music, the Javanese language and Burmese music. He translated a contemporary Indonesian novel, and has recorded classical Burmese singing.

Keeler's most recent fieldwork focused on Buddhist monks living in two monasteries in Mandalay, Burma and the nature of the relationships they had among themselves and with lay people.He also researches the mass meditation movement in Burma, while continuing to do research among male-to-female transvestites.