Erin Dej

Erin Dej is Assistant Professor in Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, recognized with the 2021 Early Career Researcher Award. Her scholarship examines structural mechanisms linking homelessness and criminal justice systems, with emphasis on policy redesign and community-based solutions.

Research addresses three critical areas: 1) Criminalization of homelessness through bylaw enforcement and spatial regulation, 2) Gender-specific barriers in housing transitions, and 3) Prevention frameworks for youth homelessness. Community-engaged methodologies include photo elicitation with rooming house residents and participatory action research.

Recent publications analyze COVID-19's impact on homeless populations, moral distress among service providers, and systemic barriers in social housing access. Student projects under her mentorship have informed CBC News coverage of homelessness policy.

Notable recognition:

• Early Career Researcher Award (2021)

Teaches Homelessness and the Criminal Justice System (CC430), guiding students to develop policy recommendations through community partnerships.