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S. David MitchellView profile

Professor

• Criminal Justice System
• Collateral Consequences of Sentencing
• Ex-Offender Reentry
• +4 more

S. David Mitchell is the Ruth L. Hulston Professor of Law at the University of Missouri School of Law and Co-Director of the Michael A. Middleton Center for Race, Citizenship and Justice. He is an interdisciplinary scholar focusing on the criminal justice system through a sociological lens, with research interests including collateral consequences of sentencing, ex-offender reintegration, and felon disenfranchisement. Education BA, Brown University (1991) JD, University of Pennsylvania (2002) PhD in Sociology, University of Pennsylvania (2012) Research Focus His work examines the civil rights implications of zero-tolerance policies, the retroactive application of laws, and systemic barriers to reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. He links criminal justice practices to broader sociological impacts on citizenship and community cohesion. Key Publications His recent scholarship includes analyses of felon-in-possession statutes (2015), the legacy of Ferguson (2015), zero-tolerance policies (2014), and retroactive sentencing reforms (2013), all reflecting his commitment to addressing racial and structural inequities in the legal system. Accolades Gold Chalk Award Legion of Black Collegians Minority Faculty and Staff Appreciation Award Missouri Lawyer’s Media Diversity and Inclusion Award Rollins Society Inductee Additional Roles He served as Chair of the University of Missouri System Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is affiliated with the MU Black Studies program, the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, and the Sociology Department’s graduate faculty.

Jamie MitchellView profile

Associate Professor

• African American men's health
• cancer health disparities
• patient-provider communication
• +7 more

Jamie Mitchell is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work and serves as Assistant Director of Clinical Research Participation at Michigan Medicine's Rogel Cancer Center. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Social Work from Ohio State University (2010), an MSW from the University of Tennessee (2007), and a BA in Psychology from Ohio State University (2005). Her research focuses on health disparities among older African American men, with emphasis on preventive health behaviors, cancer and chronic disease communication, co-morbid mental and physical health, and psychosocial well-being. As Principal Investigator of an NIH (NIA) R24 grant titled "Recruiting and Retaining Older African Americans into Research (ROAR)," she works with academic and community stakeholders to improve minority recruitment in aging research. She also serves as co-investigator in the NIH NIA-funded Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) project, where she co-directs the Community Liaison and Recruitment Core and manages a Participant Research Registry of 1,200 older African American research participants in Detroit. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on health equity across multiple domains. Her work spans cancer communication, diabetes management for Black men, hypertension control among Black women, and innovative virtual reality approaches to vocational training for returning citizens. These publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across social work, medicine, public health, and technology fields. 2018 Influencer in Aging Inaugural Curtis Center Signature Program Awardee Dr. Mitchell actively contributes to community engagement through a thriving community advisory board of African American older adults. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on Contemporary Cultures in the United States and Engaging Social Justice, Diversity, and Oppression in Social Work, with instruction continuing through Fall 2025. Her research bridges academic scholarship with practical community applications, particularly focused on addressing systemic barriers to healthcare access and research participation for marginalized populations.

Aaron GottliebView profile

Associate Professor

• Criminal Justice Policy
• Criminal Legal Change
• Criminal Legal Policy
• +6 more

Aaron Gottlieb is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, where he conducts research employing quantitative methods to examine structural determinants of criminal legal involvement, consequences of such involvement, and implications of criminal legal change. His overarching goal is to build rigorous evidence supporting equitable public safety reimagination. Dr. Gottlieb's research spans multiple disciplines including social work, criminology, sociology, public health, and law. His work demonstrates a clear trajectory from examining individual-level factors (like housing circumstances and health insurance effects) to systemic analyses of public defense resources and decarceration efforts. His publications consistently address racial and gender disparities within the criminal legal system, with particular attention to how historical legacies like slavery continue to shape contemporary case outcomes. His research has been cited in major media outlets such as the New York Times and The Atlantic, and he has actively engaged in translating academic findings into public discourse through appearances on 'Chicago Tonight' on WTTW PBS Chicago. Dr. Gottlieb's work bridges rigorous quantitative analysis with practical policy recommendations for criminal justice reform. 2022 Frank R. Breul Memorial Prize from Social Service Review Society for Social Work and Research's Excellence in Research Award 2024 Award for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Dr. Gottlieb serves as Principal Investigator of the Resource Reallocation Lab, funded by the Joyce Foundation, which examines how public safety resources can be more equitably distributed. Beyond academia, he has served on Chicago's Police Use of Force Work Group and currently serves as a Commissioner on the City of Chicago's Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, where he helps shape local criminal justice policy and implements community-driven public safety initiatives.

Simon VenemaView profile

Researcher

• Fatherhood
• Family Relationships
• Criminology
• +4 more

Simon Venema, MSc is an active researcher at the University of Groningen specializing in the intersection of fatherhood, family relationships, and the criminal justice system. His work primarily focuses on how paternal incarceration affects family dynamics, child development, and recidivism patterns. His research interests include: Fatherhood identity and experiences during incarceration Family relationship maintenance during imprisonment Effects of parental incarceration on adolescent mental health Prison reentry and family reintegration Policies for family-friendly correctional facilities Analysis of Venema's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on qualitative research methods examining the lived experiences of incarcerated fathers, particularly through thematic analysis of family approach programs. His work bridges criminology, developmental psychology, and family studies, with significant implications for correctional policy and family support services. His scientific contributions have garnered media attention in the Netherlands, particularly regarding his advocacy for more family-friendly prison environments to support child mental health and reduce recidivism. As an emerging scholar, Venema has established collaborative research relationships with prominent academics including Haan, M., Blaauw, E., and Veenstra, R. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to family wellbeing and social justice.

• Substance Use Disorders
• Public Health
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• +5 more

Peter Friedmann is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School and holds multiple positions at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , including roles in the Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and MD/PhD Program departments. His work focuses on substance use disorders , public health , and healthcare delivery in criminal justice settings . Education: BA in Medical Science from Boston University MD from Boston University School of Medicine MPH (Master of Public Health, implied by title) Research Interests span opioid use disorder treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MOUD) implementation, harm reduction strategies, and health services research for marginalized populations. His recent work examines rural healthcare disparities, overdose prevention, and integration of addiction services in correctional facilities. Scientific Awards include DFASAM (Diplomate, American Society of Addiction Medicine) and FACP (Fellow, American College of Physicians). Publications reflect a strong emphasis on opioid use disorder , jail-based treatment , rural health , and health equity . Key themes include implementation science, policy barriers, and patient-centered care models.

Lynne WoehrleView profile

Associate Professor

• Peace Studies
• Structural Violence
• Community Health
• +5 more

Lynne Woehrle is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). She holds a PhD in Social Science from Syracuse University, an MA in Sociology from Syracuse University, an MA in International Peace Studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a BA in Peace Studies from Colgate University. Her research focuses on documenting how communities transform structural and direct violence into inclusive, sustainable systems. Key areas include racial justice, urban peacebuilding, and environmental policy. She directs the MSP Research Group (Local to Global Community Health), emphasizing community-driven solutions to systemic inequality. Education: PhD Social Science, Syracuse University MA Sociology, Syracuse University MA International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame BA Peace Studies, Colgate University Awards: Co-authored the 2008 Outstanding Published Article by the ASA’s Peace, War and Social Conflict section. Community Engagement: Engaged in initiatives like Hartung Park transformation and Tosa Together racial justice projects. Active in public dialogues about racial equity and urban development.

Sophie WenzelView profile

Associate Professor

• Adolescent health
• Community-engaged research
• Evaluation
• +7 more

Sophie Wenzel is an Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Director of the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a DrPH in Public Health Leadership and has over two decades of experience in public health, including roles with the CDC, the Alaska Division of Public Health, and the Peace Corps. Her work focuses on adolescent health, community-engaged research, and public health evaluation, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Education: DrPH, Public Health Leadership, University of Illinois at Chicago (2019) MPH, International Health and Population Studies, Emory University (2004) BS, Linguistics and Spanish, Georgetown University (1998) Research Interests: Adolescent health, community-based interventions, maternal and child health, reproductive health, qualitative methods, and public health policy. Her work emphasizes bridging academic research with practical applications in local communities. Publications Trends: Recent work highlights her focus on public health leadership education, opioid crisis interventions, and community-driven solutions to health disparities. Notable projects include evaluations of diabetes management programs in rural Virginia and contraceptive access in correctional settings. Awards & Affiliations: Recipient of the Bales-Bradford Award for Public Health Leadership (2008) Member of the American Public Health Association Advising & Programs: Oversees the New River Academic Health Department, coordinating grants and partnerships with the Virginia Department of Health. Leads evaluation projects addressing substance use recovery, aging populations, and food security. Collaborates with Cooperative Extension to disseminate evidence-based programs. Labs & Teams: Center for Public Health Practice and Research, New River Health District Academic Health Department.

Patricia CoffeyView profile

Teaching Professor

• Forensic Psychology
• Trauma and Violence
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• +3 more

Patricia Coffey serves as a Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, bringing extensive forensic psychology expertise to her academic role. Her work centers on evidence-based approaches to violence prevention and trauma recovery through forensic evaluation and clinical treatment. Her educational background includes: BA in Psychology & Latin American Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Vermont Coffey specializes in forensic assessment of sexual and violent offenders alongside trauma treatment for survivors of sexual/domestic violence. Her research integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with forensic practice to develop effective interventions addressing both perpetrator rehabilitation and survivor recovery, emphasizing real-world application in criminal justice contexts. She teaches courses including The Criminal Mind: Forensic & Psychobiological Perspectives , Issues in Prisoner Reentry , Introductory Psychology , and Service Learning in Psychology , prioritizing community-based learning opportunities for students pursuing criminal justice or clinical careers. Coffey actively trains clinical psychology PhD students through the UW Legal Assistance for Institutionalized Persons program and juvenile court forensic assessments. Her mentorship focuses on practical forensic evaluation skills and community engagement strategies. She contributes to institutional initiatives through the UW Legal Assistance for Institutionalized Persons program, developing student training pipelines for forensic work in correctional settings.

Lorana BartelsView profile

Professor

• Criminal Justice
• Sentencing Policy
• Prison Reform
• +3 more

Lorana Bartels is a Professor of Criminology and Deputy Director of POLIS@ANU: The Centre for Social Policy Research at the Australian National University (ANU). She holds adjunct professorships at the University of Canberra and University of Tasmania. Her research focuses on criminal justice system reform, including sentencing, prisons, and the treatment of vulnerable groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, and those with disabilities. She has held leadership roles, including Head of the School of Law and Justice at the University of Canberra and Criminology Program Leader at ANU. Education: BA LLB LLM (University of New South Wales), PhD (University of Tasmania), GDLP (Catholic University of Leuven), GCTE (University of Canberra). Key roles include Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, Life Member of Clare Hall (Cambridge), and co-chair of the ACT chapter of the Justice Reform Initiative. She serves on editorial boards for journals like the Criminal Law Journal and International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology . Her work emphasizes compassionate sentencing, restorative justice, and systemic equity, with over 125 publications and consultancy reports for multiple governments. She advocates for policy reforms addressing structural inequities in the justice system.

Amy RobertsView profile

Lecturer

• Social Care for Prisoners/Ex-Prisoners
• Forensic Psychology
• Prisoner Reentry Programs
• +3 more

Dr. Amy Roberts is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Chester, affiliated with the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society. She holds a Ph.D. and MSc in Forensic Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire, and a BSc in Social Psychology from Loughborough University. Previously, she served as a Research Associate at the University of Manchester before joining Chester in 2021. Education: BSc Social Psychology, Loughborough University MSc Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire Ph.D. Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire Research Focus: Dr. Roberts specializes in supporting individuals transitioning from prison into communities, particularly addressing health, social, and mental healthcare needs. Her work explores adverse childhood experiences and their links to child sexual exploitation risk factors. She has conducted nationally significant surveys on local authority provision of social care for ex-prisoners and contributed to policy evaluations under the 2014 Care Act. Teaching: She oversees the Level 6 module 'Applications in Forensic Psychology: Specialist Approaches' and teaches courses like 'Detection, Detention, Treatment and Trial' and 'Research Methods and Skills'. She supervises undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation students. Research Outputs: Her publications (2021–2024) focus on systemic gaps in social care provision for ex-prisoners, commissioning models for home care, and dementia care coordination. Key themes include interagency collaboration challenges, policy implementation barriers, and vulnerable population service needs. Future Work: Ongoing projects emphasize strengthening data collection mechanisms for prisoner social care needs and exploring technology-driven solutions for release planning.

Amanda M. EmersonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Criminal Justice Health
• Aging and Health Disparities
• Cervical Cancer Prevention
• +2 more

Amanda M. Emerson, PhD, RN, serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Holding dual doctoral degrees in Nursing and English, she combines clinical expertise from her background in intermediate post-surgical cardiac care with interdisciplinary research focused on health disparities among criminal justice-involved populations. Her work bridges nursing science, humanities, and community-engaged health equity initiatives. Research Focus: Dr. Emerson's scholarship centers on improving health outcomes for justice-affected individuals, particularly older women experiencing accelerated aging post-incarceration. She leads the OWLHART (Older Women Leading Healthy Aging Research Together) project funded by PCORI, addressing early frailty through patient-centered outcomes research. Her prior eight-year collaboration with the Sexual Health Empowerment ([S]HE) team produced NIH-funded interventions for cervical cancer prevention among justice-involved populations, emphasizing community-based participatory approaches. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a concentrated focus on aging justice-involved women, with recurring themes of multimorbidity, health literacy, and reentry challenges. Her work increasingly integrates qualitative methodologies to explore trauma-informed care, structural vulnerability, and culturally safe interventions. Cervical cancer prevention remains a consistent thread, now evolving toward aging-specific adaptations for this high-risk population. Scientific Recognition: KL2 mentored career development award (CTSA grant from NCATS, 2022-2024) International Association of Forensic Nursing Research Grant ARCH Network pilot award PCORI Eugene Washington Engagement Award (EACB-34382, 2024-2026) Betty Irene Moore Nurse Leaders and Innovators fellowship (2024-2027) Mentorship and Leadership: Dr. Emerson supervises doctoral research on historical trauma, moral distress in critical care, and spiritual coping mechanisms in chronic illness. She directs multiple concurrent projects including the OWLHART initiative and a Betty Irene Moore-funded reentry tool development effort, demonstrating exceptional grant acquisition capacity across NIH, PCORI, and foundation sources. Research Ecosystem: She previously contributed to the [S]HE team within the Department of Population Health and now cultivates the OWLHART research collective—a partnership including formerly incarcerated women, community organizations, and interdisciplinary scholars focused on co-designing interventions for aging justice-involved populations.

• Correctional Care
• Criminal Justice
• Reentry Programs
• +3 more

Thomas Howland is a Part-Time Lecturer of Justice Studies at the University of Maine at Augusta. He currently serves as a Correctional Care and Treatment Worker at the Maine State Prison, combining academic instruction with professional field experience. Education includes a Master of Science in Justice Studies from Southern New Hampshire University (2014) and a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from the University of Maine at Augusta (2009). His professional training encompasses: Maine Criminal Justice Academy certifications (Basic Corrections, Pre-Service Law Enforcement, Crisis Intervention Team) FEMA/NIMS-ICS Emergency Management training Correctional specialization in case management, LSI-R, MIRRM, and investigative practices Instructor certifications for Thinking for a Change, Reentry Programs, and New Freedom programs NARCAN Trainer and Peer Recovery Coach qualifications Technical expertise includes roles as a Case Manager, Notary Public, and college instructor with proficiency in justice system software applications.

• Criminology
• Sexual Offending
• Reintegration
• +3 more

Kirsty Teague is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences. Her research examines sexual offending, rehabilitation challenges, and societal reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals. Research focuses span: Criminological analysis of sexual offenses and offender management Reintegration barriers and social ageing effects Harm-reduction strategies in public spaces Language and probation practices Publications demonstrate consistent focus on rehabilitation challenges, with recent work exploring public criminology applications in prison education and the psychological impacts of 'anticipatory disclosure' among sexual offenders. Her scholarship frequently intersects with psychology, sociology, and public health disciplines. Notably, research extends to contextual applications including sports safeguarding, migrant service accessibility, and night-time economy safety protocols.

• Mass Incarceration
• Prison Vocational Work Programs
• Recidivism
• +3 more

Mark Frazier serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington since September 2024, following roles as Adjunct Professor (2020-2024) and BSW Academic Advisor (2019-2021) at the same institution. Education DSW Candidate in Family Studies and Interventions, Walden University MSW, North Carolina Central University (2017), specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice with Children/Families BSW, Shaw University (2014) Research Focus His scholarship addresses systemic inequities in criminal justice through the lens of social work practice, emphasizing: Prison vocational programs as recidivism-reduction tools Reintegration challenges for formerly incarcerated African American males Ecological systems theory applications in correctional settings Criminal justice reform through workforce development This work directly informs his teaching on social welfare policy and diverse populations. Professional Recognition UTA Division of Student Affairs Award Recognition (2024) Phi Alpha Honor Society induction (Walden University, 2024) National Society of Leadership & Success membership (2022) Practice Integration With over two decades of field experience spanning Child Protective Services, school social work, and human services administration, Dr. Frazier bridges academic theory and real-world practice. His current research on prison vocational programs demonstrates applied scholarship addressing critical gaps in reentry support systems, though specific grant funding details aren't publicly documented.

Theresa SeveranceView profile

Professor

• Imprisoned Women
• Corrections and Reentry
• Juvenile Justice
• +3 more

Dr. Theresa Severance is a Professor and Department Chair of Criminology and Sociology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Her research focuses on imprisoned women, corrections and reentry, and juvenile justice. She holds a PhD in Sociology with a Criminology focus from Bowling Green State University (Ohio). Education: PhD in Sociology (Criminology focus), Bowling Green State University MA in Sociology (Criminology focus), Bowling Green State University Research interests include incarcerated women’s experiences, juvenile justice policy, and reintegration strategies for offenders. Her work is widely cited in national and international contexts, particularly for its insights into correctional systems and gender dynamics in criminology. Teaching emphasizes juvenile delinquency, sociology of corrections, and women and crime. She actively integrates practical learning through internships, particularly for students with special needs, as highlighted in her publication “Beyond the Classroom” . Awards: None explicitly listed, though her work is noted for significant academic impact. Advising and grants: No specific details provided, but her role as Department Chair suggests leadership in academic governance. Her research often bridges theory and practice, addressing systemic challenges in criminal justice with a focus on marginalized populations.