About
Leesa Kern is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies at Otterbein University. She teaches courses in Criminology and Justice Studies, Introductory Sociology, and Social Research Methods, while also participating in the general education program through First Year Seminar, Integrative Studies, and Senior Year Experience courses.
Education:
- PhD in Sociology, The Ohio State University (1999)
- MA in Sociology, The Ohio State University (1992)
- BA in Sociology, Miami University (1988)
Her research focuses on individuals who exist as 'others' in social settings, particularly examining women in policing and participants in alternative belief systems such as Neo-Pagans and UFO experiencers. This work highlights how marginalization reveals insights into mainstream societal norms.
Kern's publications emphasize qualitative studies of deviant groups, including analyses of religious socialization in decentralized spiritual communities, gender dynamics in law enforcement, and theoretical criminology. Her most recent work explores the applicability of Christian-centric religious models to Neopaganism.
