Alessa S. Juárez, Ph.D.

Dr. Alessa Juárez is a community-oriented scholar who recently earned her Ph.D. in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before her academic career, she worked for MHMR as a case manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities before transitioning into administration as a grant writer for the same agency. Her experience with grant development includes U.S. Department of Justice grant awards, which spearheaded programs on mental health treatment, human trafficking, youth services, and drug treatment for veterans in Tarrant County. Dr. Juárez's past research has examined police response among those with mental illness experiencing homelessness and substance use in Texas, barriers to communication between police and community organizations during crisis response, and information sharing between police departments and social service providers. She has also surveyed college students to assess their moral reasoning and decision-making skills. Dr. Juárez's forthcoming work concentrates on the legal impact of Mexico's human trafficking law on human trafficking investigations across Mexico.

Primary Research Interests: Sexual Violence, Human Trafficking, Campus Violence, Comparative Criminology, Policing and Vulnerable Populations

Fun Facts: Dr. J loves collecting records, visiting new coffee shops, traveling, and being a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan.