Lacey Schaefer

Dr. Lacey Schaefer is a Senior Lecturer at Griffith University's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and a member of the Griffith Criminology Institute. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in criminological theory and correctional interventions, focusing on translating theoretical knowledge into practical criminal justice applications that improve practitioner performance and prevent crime.

Dr. Schaefer's educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Criminal Justice) from the University of Cincinnati (2009-2013)
• Master of Science (Sociology) from Mississippi State University (2007-2009), earned Summa Cum Laude
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from Wichita State University (2002-2007), earned Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA

Her research focuses on community corrections, correctional interventions, and the treatment of forensic clients. Dr. Schaefer has designed and delivered multiple research-practitioner partnership projects with visible real-world impacts, earning recognition as a translational criminologist. Her work spans areas including police legitimacy, social support in community supervision, problem-solving courts, and digital interventions for crime prevention. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Experimental Criminology, International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, and Frontiers in Psychology.

Dr. Schaefer has received numerous scientific awards:

• Pro Vice Chancellor's Research Excellence Award (Early Career Researcher Category) 2017
• Excellence in Innovation Award from the Queensland Government
• Robert Martin Fellowship at SUNY Albany
• Marion T. Loftin Fellowship at Mississippi State University
• Two Dean's Commendations for Excellence in Teaching from the University of Queensland
• Griffith Award for Excellence in Teaching (Early Career category) 2019
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 2021

As an advisor and researcher, Dr. Schaefer currently supervises multiple doctoral students on projects related to prisoner re-entry, electronic monitoring effectiveness, and financial hardship among formerly incarcerated persons. She has secured significant research funding including grants from the Australian Institute of Criminology and internal Griffith University funding for projects on social supports in supervision and environmental corrections models. Her work demonstrates strong connections between academic research and practical applications in criminal justice settings.

Dr. Schaefer is actively involved with the Griffith Criminology Institute, where she contributes to collaborative research efforts focused on reducing inequalities, promoting peace and justice, and developing sustainable communities through evidence-based criminal justice practices.