Joseph A. Schwartz

Joseph A. Schwartz is an Associate Professor at Florida State University's College of Criminology & Criminal Justice, where he also co-directs the Biosocial Criminology Research & Policy Institute. He holds a Ph.D. (2014) and dual master's degrees in Criminal Justice from Florida State University and California State University, San Bernardino. His research focuses on biosocial mechanisms underlying criminal behavior, trauma, and health outcomes. He has secured over $4.5 million in grants, including NIH-funded studies on correctional officer stress and brain injury impacts.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. 2014, Florida State University: Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • M.A. 2009, California State University, San Bernardino: Criminal Justice
  • B.A. 2007, California State University, San Bernardino: Criminal Justice

His research spans biosocial criminology, trauma's effects on criminal persistence, and correctional officer mental health. Key findings include links between traumatic brain injury and recidivism, and stress responses in correctional environments. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Justice Quarterly and Journal of Quantitative Criminology.

Dr. Schwartz’s work bridges biological and social factors, such as genetic influences on delinquency and the role of self-control. His grants include NIH studies on stress interventions for correctional staff and neurobiological impacts of prison conditions. He has received awards like the 2023 Outstanding Contribution Award from the American Society of Criminology.

He teaches courses on criminological theory, biosocial mechanisms, and statistical analysis. His mentorship includes over 20 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. He serves on editorial boards for Criminology and Journal of Criminal Justice, and chairs the American Society of Criminology’s Biopsychosocial Division.