Mari DeWees

Mari DeWees is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Florida, an M.A. in Sociology from Auburn University, and a B.A. in English from the University of Florida.

Research & Teaching Interests: Dr. DeWees focuses on globalization, crime, tourism in Southeast Asia, homelessness, social sustainability, and gender studies. Her work bridges sociology, criminology, and regional studies, addressing issues such as elderly homelessness, homicide patterns, and gender inequality.

Grants & Collaborations:

• FGCU Scholarship Venture Research Fund Grant (2019): "Reflections on Water: Globalization, Tourism, and Social Construction of Resource Sustainability in Southwest Florida" (collaboration with Dr. Joanna Salapska-Gelleri)
• FGCU Grant (2019): "Improvisation and Theatre Games as Therapeutic Tools for Southwest Floridians Post-Hurricane Irma" (collaboration with Dr. Dan Bacalzo)
• Communities in Transition Grant (2019): Addressed stress management post-natural disasters via theater techniques.

Teaching: Courses include Sociology of Crime, Sociology of Murder, and Sociological Theory. She emphasizes practical learning through internships and capstone projects.