James Wo

James Wo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Iowa, within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is actively involved in research at the intersection of criminology, urban sociology, and planning and public affairs. He holds a courtesy appointment in the School of Planning and Public Affairs and is a research affiliate with the Center for Social Science Innovation. His office is located in North Hall, and he maintains regular office hours, indicating ongoing teaching and mentorship responsibilities.

• PhD, University of California, Irvine

Professor Wo’s research centers on the spatial and temporal dynamics of crime, particularly how crime risk varies across places and times. His work integrates urban sociology with environmental criminology, examining how factors such as greenspaces, walkability, topography, ethnic heterogeneity, and community organizations influence crime patterns. He employs advanced quantitative and spatial analysis methods to study these relationships, contributing to both theoretical and policy-relevant knowledge in urban safety and crime prevention.

His recent publications, appearing in journals such as Criminology, Justice Quarterly, and Cities, reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven research on urban environments and crime. Themes include environmental design, social ecology, spatial inequality, and the role of public spaces in shaping criminal activity. His methodological expertise in spatial statistics and longitudinal analysis enhances the rigor of his findings.

Professor Wo serves on the editorial boards of Criminology and PLOS One, contributing to scholarly discourse and publication standards in his fields.

While no specific students or grants are listed, his role as a PhD faculty member in sociology and criminology implies active student advising and likely involvement in research funding. He is affiliated with key research centers and contributes to interdisciplinary collaboration across sociology, planning, and public affairs. His research has implications for urban policy, community development, and crime prevention strategies.