Bio
I am an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work. I have a PhD in Criminology
and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and an MSW from Washington
University in St. Louis. My research interests include the sociology of culture, macro-level
determinants of crime, and comparative/historical analyses of religion. My research
examines how crime levels are impacted by the relationship between a societys broader
culture and its social structure. Through my research I seek to identify the relationships
and connections between human values, motivations, interests, and behaviors. My research
focuses on the interplay between religion, social institutions, and crime within the
U.S. I also have experience in clinical social work practice working with individuals,
couples, and families.
Education:
- PhD, Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2018
- MA, Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, 2008
- BA, Psychology, Kalamazoo College, 2006
Sociology of Culture, Macro-level determinants of crime, Comparative/Historical analyses
of religion, The relationship between social institutions
Macro Social Work Practice, Social Policy, Intersection of Social Work and Criminology,
Statistics
Presentations:
- Religion and Crime: A Look at the Inclusion of Protestantism within Institutional-Anomie
Theory. - Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology - - November 2014
- Protestantism and Homicide: A Cross-National Examination of Religions Role in Institutional
Anomie Theory. - Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology - - November 2013
- Crime & The Protestant Dream. - Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology - - November 2012
