Program of Research

While my program of research varies over time with different student interests and opportunities for data access there are specific research themes listed below. Moreover, while offender heterogeneity, especially within violent offenders, is a key interest it is more an application than an independent primary research topic. Primary research topics over the past several years and for the foreseeable future include:

  1. Offender change (measurement of readiness and gain, factors influencing program drop-out, identifying mechanisms underlying or leading to crime desistance).
  2. Dynamic risk assessment (validation of Dynamic Risk Assessment of Offender Reentry scale, development of pathways to desistance, role of protective factors, utilizing changes in dynamic risk to inform case planning and risk management strategies).
  3. Parole and case management decision-making (strategies, competencies, and process factors that influence accuracy and public policy).