Leanna Ireland

Leanna Ireland is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. She holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2021). Her research examines technologies, crime, and society, focusing on algorithm aversion in criminal justice, cyberbullying, privacy-enhancing technologies, and cyber vigilantism. Current projects investigate civilian participation in justice activities and algorithmic reliance in legal systems.

Her research analyzes technology-crime intersections through frameworks like Routine Activity Theory and Hirschman's Exit-Voice-Loyalty model. Recent publications explore hacktivism, dark web markets, and digital vigilantism, demonstrating cross-disciplinary approaches merging criminology, psychology, and data science. Ireland's work consistently addresses how digital transformations reshape justice processes and public perceptions.

Ireland advises Honour students and contributes to interdisciplinary educational initiatives. Her research has been published in leading criminal justice and technology journals, establishing her as an emerging voice in digital criminology.