Nicole Ryan

Dr. Nicole Ryan is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at La Trobe University's Law School in Melbourne, Australia. Her research bridges criminology, sociology, and social policy with a focus on prisoner reintegration, reincarceration dynamics, and Indigenous justice issues. She is a leading expert on prison visitation impacts and explores how disability support systems can reduce reincarceration risks for justice-involved individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Ryan holds a PhD in Criminology from Griffith University and has over a decade of academic experience. She currently coordinates the Criminology program at La Trobe and advises NSW Corrective Services on social reintegration strategies. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Juvenile Justice (LCR3JVJ) and Justice and Community Case Management (LCR2001).

Her research emphasizes intersectional justice issues, particularly the role of visitation in inmate rehabilitation and community ties. Recent work examines how socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness influence reincarceration rates for Indigenous Australians. She collaborates with government bodies like Shineforkids and Corrective Services NSW to translate research into policy.

Dr. Ryan's publications analyze topics ranging from restorative justice efficacy to the digital transformation of prison visitation during pandemics. She actively supervises research projects on youth justice, offender reintegration, and public perceptions of sentencing practices.