Karyn Sporer

Karyn Sporer is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine, based in the Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice. Her research focuses on violent extremism, family violence, mental illness and violence, and drug policy. She employs qualitative methods and life history interviews with marginalized populations.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
• M.S. in Criminal Justice (Northeastern University)
• B.A. (Saint Michael’s College, Vermont)

Research & Funding: Secured grants including $263,559 from the Department of Homeland Security for terrorism research and $109,525 from the Open Society Foundation for drug decriminalization studies. Her work appears in journals like Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice and Criminology and Journal of Family Violence.

Awards:

• 2021 CLAS Outstanding Faculty Award
• 2018 Journal Article of the Year

Teaching: Courses include Introduction to Sociology, Domestic Violence, and Problems of Violence & Terrorism. Recognized for effective teaching and advising.