Dena Carson

Dena Carson is an Associate Professor and Director of Criminal Justice and Public Safety Management programs at the Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. She specializes in criminology with a focus on youth violence, gangs, and delinquent peer groups. Her research explores gang disengagement, gang influence in schools, and racial/ethnic variations in gang-related behaviors. Carson holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (2011).

Education:

• Ph.D., Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Missouri-St. Louis (2011)
• M.A., Criminology, University of South Florida (2007)
• B.S., Chemistry, Pittsburg State University (2003)

Her research interests center on gang processes, youth violence prevention, and the intersection of education and criminal justice. Notable work includes analyzing gang desistance mechanisms and school-based interventions. Recent publications address gang dynamics, gender roles in gangs, and opioid misuse education programs in schools.

Awards:

• Tory J. Caeti Young Scholar Memorial Award (2019)
• Criminal Justice Review Paper of the Year Award (2014)

Grants and Projects:

• Principal Investigator for a National Institute of Justice-funded study on gang desistance (2012–2014)

Carson is affiliated with the O’Neill School’s research initiatives on public safety and collaborates with law enforcement and educational institutions to design effective prevention and intervention strategies.