John Cochran

John Cochran is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida, within the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida (1987), with prior faculty positions at Wichita State University and the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on micro- and macro-social theories of criminal behavior, capital punishment legitimacy, and quantitative methodologies. Cochran has authored over 150 publications and serves on multiple editorial boards. He received the ACJS Outstanding Paper Award in 2016 and actively contributes to policy debates on crime control and sentencing disparities.

Education:

• B.A. in Sociology, University of Florida (1980)
• M.A. in Sociology, University of Florida (1982)
• Ph.D. in Sociology, University of Florida (1987)

Research Interests:

• Micro-social theories of criminal behavior
• Macro-social theories of crime control
• Capital punishment legitimacy assessments
• Quantitative data analysis in criminology

Recent work explores topics such as intimate partner violence, cyberbullying, and racial disparities in sentencing. His articles analyze theoretical frameworks like Situational Action Theory and General Strain Theory across contexts like sports, pandemics, and juvenile justice. Cochran’s contributions bridge sociological theory with policy implications, emphasizing empirical rigor and societal impact.

Scientific Awards:

• ACJS Outstanding Paper Award (2016)

Advising: While specific advisees are not listed, Cochran’s extensive publication record suggests active mentorship in criminology doctoral programs. Grants and lab affiliations are not detailed in the provided text.