Synøve Nygaard Andersen is a Professor at the Department of Sociology and Human Geography, University of Oslo, specializing in criminology, penology, and quantitative social research. She serves as the program manager for the bachelor's program in sociology at ISS and maintains dual affiliations with Drexel University's Department of Criminology and Justice Studies in Philadelphia. Her research focuses on prison systems , drug policy , recidivism , and quantitative methodology , with particular expertise in Scandinavian correctional models. As co-leader of the Scandinavian Prison Project, she investigates the implementation of Nordic penal principles in American contexts. Her work bridges sociology, criminology, and public policy through rigorous empirical analysis. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on comparative criminology , policy evaluation , and methodological innovation . Her research spans prison conditions during the pandemic, criminal record effects on life outcomes, and Scandinavian approaches to drug policy and sentencing reform. The interdisciplinary nature of her work connects criminology with public health, migration studies, and family sociology. Andersen maintains active teaching responsibilities including courses SOS2305, SOS4020, SOSGEO1120, KRS4105, and JUS5505. Through Drexel University's Intensive Courses Abroad, she facilitates cross-national learning about Scandinavian approaches to justice and substance abuse treatment, bringing students to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Her methodological toolkit emphasizes quantitative analysis , network analysis , and causal inference , applied across diverse research areas including criminal networks, family dynamics, and policy evaluation. Current projects include NoReOffend (examining Norwegian punishment approaches) and PROMENTA (drug policy reform).
