William J. Schultz

William J. Schultz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at MacEwan University. His academic journey began with an MA from the University of Alberta in 2015, followed by a PhD from the same institution. Prior to his academic career, he worked for five years as a correctional officer in a provincial prison, which deeply informs his research perspective and teaching philosophy centered on real-world applicability.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Sociology, University of Alberta
• MA in Sociology, University of Alberta

Dr. Schultz's research centers on the social dynamics within prison environments, with particular emphasis on correctional officer cultures, prison radicalization, gangs, and incarcerated fatherhood. His work explores how specific institutional settings shape human behavior and interactions, and how these interactions fundamentally alter individuals' lives both inside and outside correctional facilities. He brings unique methodological rigor through ethnographic approaches informed by his firsthand correctional experience, challenging conventional assumptions about prison subcultures and power dynamics.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2017-2024) reveals a cohesive trajectory examining the intersection of workplace culture, security practices, and human behavior in prisons. His work increasingly addresses contemporary crises including the opioid epidemic's impact on correctional environments, the psychological toll of prison work, and evolving security challenges related to ideological extremism. The research spans criminology, sociology, and public health domains while maintaining consistent focus on the lived experiences of both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff.

His scientific awards include:

• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship, Killam Trust (2021)
• Canadian Congress of the Humanities Student Merit Award (2021)
• President’s Doctoral Prize of Distinction, University of Alberta (2018, 2019, 2020)
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship (2018-2022)
• Vanier Canada Doctoral Scholarship, SSHRC (2018-2021)
• Joseph A. Bombardier Scholarship (honorary), SSHRC (2018)
• Queen Elizabeth II Scholarship, Government of Alberta (2017)

Dr. Schultz actively supervises senior undergraduate independent studies and has received substantial research funding through prestigious doctoral scholarships that supported his foundational work on prison dynamics. His collaboration with the University of Alberta Prisons Project demonstrates his commitment to team-based research addressing systemic issues in correctional systems, particularly regarding radicalization processes and officer safety. His teaching philosophy emphasizes developing students' skills to identify and comprehensively answer complex questions about crime and criminology.

He maintains active involvement with the University of Alberta Prisons Project research team led by Drs. Sandra Bucerius and Kevin Haggerty, contributing to ongoing investigations of prison subcultures, officer-culture dynamics, and security challenges. His professional network extends to the American Society of Criminology, where he engages with broader scholarly conversations about correctional practices and criminal justice reform.