Alessandra Early

Dr. Alessandra Early is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. A dedicated criminologist with expertise in spatial dynamics, identity formation, and behavior, she brings a unique intersectional perspective to her research and teaching.

Her research focuses on:

• How social spaces impact identity formation and behavior
• Queer experiences in social environments
• Substance use dynamics in specific contexts
• Rural methamphetamine markets and gendered experiences

Dr. Early's work applies queer criminological frameworks to destabilize normative understandings of human-environment interactions. Her research examines how people create meaning within environments, formulate identities, and how these factors encourage or inhibit behaviors. She has published on queer social spaces (bars and clubs) and their relationship to identity exploration, as well as women's complex experiences in patriarchal drug markets.

Award:

• First place in the inaugural student paper award from the Division of Queer Criminology at the American Society of Criminology (2022)

Dr. Early approaches teaching as co-constructing knowledge with students, creating accessible learning environments. She mentors students by sharing her experiences as a Black queer woman in academia and facilitating professional networking. Outside academia, she practices Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu karate (1st-degree black belt) and Matayoshi Kobudo, preparing for her 2nd-degree test in fall 2024.