Janet Garcia-Hallett

Dr. Janet Garcia-Hallett is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice and specializes in research examining the intersection of race, gender, and the criminal legal system, with particular focus on formerly incarcerated mothers of color.

Dr. Garcia-Hallett's educational background includes:

• Ph.D., Criminal Justice, Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice
• M.A., Criminal Justice, Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice
• B.A., Cum Laude, Honors in Sociology and Psychology, CUNY Macaulay Honors College: Hunter College

Her research interests focus on the detrimental impact of incarceration on communities of color and the intersectional obstacles women of color face throughout the criminal legal process. She examines how formerly incarcerated mothers navigate motherhood while confronting systemic barriers related to gender, race, and criminal record. Her work challenges traditional narratives about mass incarceration that have historically centered on men, instead highlighting the unique experiences of women of color who must perform motherwork under oppressive conditions of surveillance and marginalization.

Analysis of Dr. Garcia-Hallett's publications reveals consistent themes across criminal justice, gender studies, and race theory. Her work demonstrates a strong focus on qualitative methodologies to center the voices of marginalized populations, particularly examining the intersection of motherhood and incarceration. Recent publications increasingly address public health issues within correctional settings and community reentry challenges. Her research consistently applies critical race and feminist frameworks to challenge systemic oppression within the criminal legal system.

Dr. Garcia-Hallett has received significant recognition for her scholarship:

• 2023 ASA Ida B. Wells-Barnett Distinguished Book Award
• Multiple 2023 finalists and honorable mentions for book awards
• 2019 SAGE Junior Faculty Professional Development Teaching Award
• University of Missouri President's Award for Intercampus Collaboration

Her grant funding demonstrates substantial research impact, including the Prison Research and Innovation Network ($200,000) and collaboration on a $2.8 million Arnold Ventures grant for the Missouri Prison Transformation Project. Dr. Garcia-Hallett actively engages in community partnerships, such as her work with Winning Ways Inc. to empower women in the community. Her media presence shows significant public engagement through op-eds in Ms. Magazine and Hartford Courant addressing critical issues like abortion rights for incarcerated women.