Alexander Darius Ornella

Dr. Alexander Darius Ornella is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Criminology, Sociology and Policing at the University of Hull, Faculty of Arts, Cultures and Education. He holds an MBA from the University of Leicester and both an MA and PhD from the University of Graz. His academic work bridges criminology, sociology, religious studies, and media studies, with a focus on the intersections of religion, technology, crime, and culture.

His research interests include:

• Religion, media, and crime
• Policing technologies and drones
• Sex workers and lifestyle choices
• Sports and religious communities (particularly CrossFit)
• Material religion and religious branding

Dr. Ornella’s recent publications explore how religious identity is expressed through fitness culture, the memorialization of athletes as national heroes, and the religious tropes embedded in climate technology narratives. His work frequently appears in the Journal for Religion, Film and Media (JRFM), where he serves as one of the Chief Editors. His editorial leadership has contributed to the journal receiving a DFG Open Access grant, enhancing its academic reach.

He has secured competitive research funding, including the GRASP Grant from Villanova University (with Dr. Stefanie Knauss) and internal and police-funded projects on student life and drug policy evaluation. His scholarly awards include the DFG Open Access Grant and the GRASP Grant.

Dr. Ornella teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including modules on global issues, research methods in policing, and ritual crime. He coordinates the final-year dissertation module and welcomes PhD supervision in theology and popular culture, religion and the body, religion and technology, and sports and religion.

He is actively involved in academic leadership through editorial work and research collaboration and maintains a strong public and digital presence via his personal website, ORCID, and Twitter.