Rachel E Severson

Rachel E Severson serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at The University of Tampa, holding a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida (2020), an M.Ed. from Lynchburg College (2015), and a B.S. from Longwood University (2012). She teaches core courses including Introduction to Criminal Justice, Research Methods, and Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System.

Her research examines the intersection of mental illness and gender within incarcerated populations, specifically analyzing how mental health diagnoses and treatment impact prison experiences through a gendered lens. This work addresses critical gaps in understanding marginalized groups' needs in justice-involved settings.

Dr. Severson's scholarly contributions have been recognized with multiple honors:

• Outstanding Ambassador, University of South Florida Department of Criminology's Wall of Fame (2021)
• Outstanding Doctoral Student, Southern Criminal Justice Association (2019)
• Doctoral Student Summit Fellow, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (2017)
• Community Sustainability Partnership Program, University of South Florida and the City of Palmetto, Florida (2016)

She maintains active membership in the American Society of Criminology and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, with publications appearing in the Journal of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Crime and Delinquency, and Journal of Interpersonal Violence.