WHO I AM

I am an Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Alabama, driven by a fundamental curiosity: why do individuals choose to engage in criminal behavior? This question, sparked by an early fascination with understanding the motivations behind crime, has shaped my academic journey and continues to fuel my research.

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My work primarily focuses on the environmental and situational correlates of crime, the offender perspective, and the application of innovative methodologies, particularly virtual reality. A key example of this is my extension of the international Virtual Burglary Project to the United States. By recruiting incarcerated individuals with a history of burglary, I utilize immersive virtual environments to explore how physical and social cues influence their perceptions of risk, reward, and potential harm, ultimately shaping their intent to commit a crime. This approach allows for a unique insight into the criminal decision-making process.   

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My academic background includes a PhD in Psychology and an MPhil in Social and Developmental Psychology, both from the University of Cambridge, as well as a B.S. in Psychology with a second major in Criminal Justice from Roanoke College. This interdisciplinary foundation allows me to bring psychological insights to criminological theory and to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. ​​

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My commitment to the field is further reflected in my professional affiliations, including my role as a Research Affiliate and Partner Group Head within the prestigious Max Planck Society. I am also a proud member of Alpha Chi, Alpha Phi Sigma, the American Society of Criminology, the European Society of Criminology, Psi Chi, and Sigma Alpha Phi. Additionally, I serve as an Editorial Board Member for Psychology, Crime & Law and regularly review manuscripts for several leading journals in the field.   

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Beyond my research and teaching, I actively engage in university and departmental service, currently serving on the Graduate and Executive Committees at the University of Alabama. Previously, I held roles such as Social Media Engagement Officer and Empirical Research Pipeline Developer at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law.

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Ultimately, my passion lies in understanding the complexities of criminal behavior to inform effective prevention and rehabilitation strategies. I am eager to connect with prospective and current students, as well as fellow scholars who share an interest in collaboration and mentorship.