Roshni Ladny

Roshni Ladny is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Florida Gulf coast University (FGCU), holding dual roles as Program Coordinator for the Criminal Justice MS program. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University, complemented by advanced degrees in Clinical Psychology and Criminology.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Criminology & Criminal Justice, Florida State University
• M.S. in Criminology, Florida State University
• M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Mississippi State University
• B.S. in Chemistry with Psychology Minor, Tougaloo College

Research Focus: Ladny employs a psychosocial lens to examine trauma's role in victim-offender dynamics, particularly how childhood exposure to animal cruelty and family violence influences violent behavior. Her work highlights protective factors against adverse childhood experiences, offender rehabilitation strategies, and mental health integration in criminal justice systems. She contributed to the UN’s historic General Comment 26 (2023), which recognized animal cruelty exposure as a child rights violation.

Publications: Her research spans violence prevention leadership, childhood trauma impacts, and educational interventions. Key themes include the animal cruelty-human violence nexus, juvenile justice system dynamics, and academic success strategies for criminal justice students.

Community Engagement: As a certified domestic violence advocate and former clinical therapist, Ladny has addressed family violence via therapy and community outreach. She co-founded a rural humane society’s outreach program and is a core member of The European Link Coalition (ELC), advancing global policies linking animal welfare to child protection.