RESEARCH
Higher Education in Prisons
In 2020, I started a research study, Implications of Higher Education on Incarcerated Individuals and their Networks. Currently I serve as the Principal Investigator for this study.
Research Objectives:
- To study the impact of providing higher education opportunities to individuals that are incarcerated. Studies conducted over the last two decades almost unanimously indicate that higher education in prison programs reduces recidivism and translates into reductions in crime, savings to taxpayers, and long-term contributions to the safety and well-being of the communities to which formerly incarcerated people return. This study will examine the experiences of incarcerated learners participating in Project AIM.
- To examine the impact on the networks of incarcerated learners. This study examines the overall experience of networks both internal and external by identifying the major networks of family, friends, staff, etc.
- To build a model than can be replicated in other areas. This study identifies the ways that higher education in program in prisons can fully support incarcerated learners along a defined educational and reentry pathway. The goal is to build an educational pathway that can be replicated in other areas by creating unique community partnerships.