Chris Melde

Chris Melde is a Professor at the School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, and serves as the Faculty Athletics Representative in the Office of the President. His research focuses on street gangs, gun violence prevention, and community reactions to crime, with a strong emphasis on adolescent behavior and public health interventions.

• PhD (2007), MA (2004) in Criminology from University of Missouri-St. Louis
• BA (2001) from Loras College

His work spans theoretical and applied criminology, examining the intersections of fear, risk, procedural justice, and violence contagion. Current projects include a long-term NIJ-funded study of G.R.E.A.T. program participants and collaboration with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) in Detroit and Michigan's Western District.

Key themes from his recent research include urban violence dynamics, school safety, mental health resilience during the pandemic, and the role of social ties in perceived risk. His publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches blending criminology, public health, and sociology.

• Fellow of the Academy of Experimental Criminology
• 2015 Tory J. Caeti Memorial Award

Melde is a research associate at the Michigan Justice Statistics Center and advises on statewide violence intervention policies. His collaborations with agencies like PSN and the National Center for School Safety highlight his commitment to translating research into practical crime prevention strategies.