Nicholas Athey

Nicholas Athey is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of La Verne's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on organized crime, illicit drug markets, and drug policy, with a particular emphasis on cannabis commercialization and criminal networks. He holds a Ph.D. in Criminology from Simon Fraser University, along with prior degrees from California State University, Long Beach. Athey teaches courses integrating quantitative, qualitative, and social network analysis methods, emphasizing practical applications in criminology and policy analysis.

His research explores topics such as medical cannabis user profiles, social media discourse on drug policy, and the structural dynamics of illicit networks like steroid distribution systems. He has published studies comparing international drug policies (e.g., Belgium, Canada, UK) and analyzing public health implications of cannabis legalization. Athey actively engages in consulting and mentorship, aiming to bridge academic research with real-world policy impacts.