Susan M. Kunkle

Susan M. Kunkle serves as Associate Professor and Internship Coordinator in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Kent State University's College of Arts & Sciences. With over three decades of practical experience in juvenile court systems and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, she integrates real-world justice system insights into her academic work.

Her educational background:

• PhD, Kent State University, 2011

Dr. Kunkle's research centers on cyber aggression, bullying dynamics, and juvenile justice sentencing patterns, with expanding focus on LGBTQ victimization and correctional systems. She examines how digital environments exacerbate victimization while analyzing community-based interventions and policy responses across educational and justice contexts. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges criminological theory with actionable solutions for cyber harassment and school safety.

Analysis of her publications (2016-2022) reveals consistent emphasis on cyberbullying policy frameworks, legislative responses to digital aggression, and victimization patterns among sexual minorities. She demonstrates how state-level policies address mass shootings and school violence through community programs and law enforcement adaptations.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Elaine Mae Shock Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
• Community Crime Prevention Award (Stark County Prosecutor's Office)
• Dawn Marie Hendershot Award for exemplary child victim service
• Nomination for College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Teacher Award
• Golden Key International Honor Society membership

As Internship Coordinator, Dr. Kunkle develops practical justice system experiences for students. Her service extends to leadership roles including Past President of Project KARE Children's Services, Board Chair of the Multi County Juvenile Attention System, and Director of the Sisters of Charity Foundation (2014-2021), demonstrating deep community engagement in juvenile justice reform.