Kristin Santos

Kristin Santos is an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Colorado Mesa University, where she teaches a wide range of courses including corrections, criminology, victimology, research methods, media and crime, mental illness and crime, and deviance. Her academic expertise is grounded in both theoretical and practical applications, informed by her prior professional experience in juvenile corrections and mental health crisis care.

• PhD in Sociology, The University of Akron
• MS in Criminal Justice, The University of Cincinnati
• BS in Psychology, Lake Superior State University
• BS in Criminal Justice, Lake Superior State University

Her research focuses on critical areas within criminology, particularly domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, cults, and the intersection of media and deviant behavior. She emphasizes power differentials and dynamics in her analyses, contributing to a deeper understanding of interpersonal violence and social control mechanisms.

Although no publications are listed in the provided text, her teaching and research portfolio suggest a strong focus on societal responses to crime, mental health within the criminal justice system, and the sociological underpinnings of deviance. Her work bridges academic theory with real-world correctional and mental health applications.

No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information.

Kristin Santos has advised or mentored students in academic and research settings, though no specific names are listed. She integrates practical experience into her pedagogy, having worked as a juvenile corrections officer across various security levels and on specialized units including sex offender and treatment programs. She also worked in a step-down crisis home for individuals transitioning from jails and psychiatric hospitals, providing structured support for reintegration into society.

She leads or contributes to academic initiatives within the criminal justice program, though no formal lab or research team is mentioned. Her courses emphasize critical thinking by connecting foundational theories to real-world criminal justice issues, fostering an applied learning environment.