Welcome Senior Lecturer Molly Block

Senior Lecturer Molly Block joins the Department of Criminal Justice from IU South Bend.  

Dr. Block is an alumnus of Hanover College, earned her Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kentucky, and earned her PhD in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville.  Dr. Block's research focuses on using environmental criminology to help explain and prevent crimes such as terrorism and substance use. 

In her role as a Senior Lecturer, Dr. Block is committed to undergraduate teaching both in and out of the classroom.  Dr. Block has been actively involved in facilitating undergraduate research and internship experiences.  

Welcome Assistant Professor Jennifer O'Neill

Please welcome Assistant Professor Jennifer O'Neill to the department.  Dr. O'Neill has been a Visiting Assistant Professor with our department for the last two years.  She received her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri - St. Louis.  

Dr. O'Neill's primary research interests include developing criminological theory, specifically focusing on rational choice and symbolic interactionist perspectives, as well as investigating the connections between school experiences, adolescent socialization, and delinquent behavior. For example, her recent work has focused on adolescent legal socialization within the context of the convergence of education and criminal justice institutions.

Dr. Natalie Hipple Promoted to Full Professor

We are proud to share the promotion of Dr. Natalie Hipple to full professor.

Dr. Hipple studies the collaborative methods used by police departments to identify and reduce crime and disorder especially as they relate to gun violence. Her other research interests include incident reviews, higher education policing, homelessness, and evaluation of criminal justice programs.

Dr. Hipple is also serving as the Department Chair.