Dena Carson

Dena Carson is an Associate Professor and Director of Criminal Justice programs at Indiana University's O’Neill School. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and researches youth violence dynamics.

Research Focus: Dr. Carson investigates youth gang dynamics, desistance processes, gang impacts in school settings, and group processes in delinquency. Her mixed-methods research examines motivations for gang disengagement, ethnic variations in leaving processes, and how school transitions affect gang affiliation. Recent work challenges perceptions of gang members' school experiences and explores nuanced relationships between gang membership and deviance amplification.

Professional Recognition:

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

Advising & Grants: She mentors graduate students and has secured research funding from the National Institute of Justice for multi-site studies on gang desistance. Her research informs juvenile justice policy and school safety interventions.