Andrew J. Harris

Andrew J. Harris is Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he faculty in the School of Criminology and Justice Studies. His prior institutional roles include senior management positions in New York City government (1990-1998) and Deputy Director of Health and Criminal Justice Programs at UMass Medical School (1998-2005).

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration, New York University (2003)
• M.A. in Public Policy & Administration, Columbia University (1990)
• B.A. in Psychology & Sociology, George Washington University (1983)

Professor Harris's research centers on criminal justice-human services intersections, with emphasis on mental illness in corrections, sex offender management policy, juvenile justice systems, and violence risk assessment. His work prioritizes translating research into evidence-based policy through rigorous applied studies.

His publication record spans interdisciplinary journals including Criminal Justice and Behavior and Sexual Abuse, with a notable 2016 study in Psychology, Public Policy, & Law analyzing 'crime control theater' in sex offender registration systems.

Professor Harris currently leads an active U.S. Department of Justice grant on national sex offender registration systems and previously directed DOJ-funded studies on youth sex offenders and teen sexting. His role as Associate Dean for Graduate Programs underscores his commitment to graduate education and research mentorship.