Cassia Spohn

Cassia Spohn is a Regents' Professor and School Director at Arizona State University's Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, leading the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice. She holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research focuses on prosecutorial/judicial decision-making, racial disparities in justice, and sexual assault case processing. Notable awards include ASU’s 2013 Leading Edge Research Award and fellowships with the American Society of Criminology and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.

Spohn’s work bridges academia and policy, exemplified by her 2017 appointment to the Department of Defense Advisory Board on sexual assault investigations. Her publications span sentencing reform, racial equity, and sexual assault dynamics. Recent research highlights include analyzing federal life sentences, pretrial processes, and disparities in criminal justice outcomes. She collaborates with law enforcement agencies (e.g., Los Angeles Police Department) to improve sexual assault investigation practices.

• Education: PhD in Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Affiliations: Watts College Director, ASU Faculty

Her research trends emphasize systemic inequities and reform, particularly in sentencing policies and sexual violence responses. She advocates for evidence-based practices to reduce racial/gender disparities, as seen in her critiques of mandatory minimums and analyses of prosecutor/police decision-making.