Kelly M. Thames

Dr. Kelly M. Thames serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, specializing in criminological theory and cross-national crime analysis with emphasis on neoliberal policy impacts.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Sociology, North Carolina State University
• M.S. in Sociology, North Carolina State University
• B.A. in Criminology, North Carolina State University

Her research program investigates:

• Effects of global neoliberalization on violent crime rates
• Welfare policy shifts and criminal behavior across political contexts
• Crime perceptions following welfare retrenchment
• Quantitative methodologies including big data and hybrid panel analysis

Recent publications (2011-2020) demonstrate consistent interdisciplinary focus on criminology and public health, particularly opioid epidemic analysis through media framing and big data applications in drug abuse prediction.

No information regarding scientific awards, student advising, research grants, or laboratory affiliations was provided in the source material.