Victim Researcher Profile

BIO

Dr. Eileen M. Ahlin is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. Dr. Ahlin joined the faculty in 2013 after 15 years at Westat where she conducted research at the federal, state, and local levels. Much of this work included community engagement and developing partnerships with practitioners in criminal justice and victim services organizations. She received a B.A. in Administration of Justice and Sociology (multiple major) from Penn State University and her M.A. in Sociology (focus on crime, delinquency, and corrections) from George Mason University. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Ahlin's most recent work revolves around youth violence and victimization in the community and periods of detention. She incorporates a holistic, multi-pronged approach to prevention and treatment by examining neighborhood, family, and individual risk factors. She is the co-recipient of a 2016 National Institute of Justice W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship. Work performed under this award will address exposure to violence and violent behavior among immigrant and minority populations.

VICTIMIZATION FOCUS

Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse or Violence (other than campus sexual assault)

SPECIAL POPULATIONS

Child victims, Immigrants and refugees, Urban high crime neighborhood victims

RESEARCH EXPERTISE

Community-based participatory research, Data collection, Descriptive studies, Needs assessment, Program evaluation, Quantitative studies, Quasi-experimental studies, Randomized controlled trial, Training and/or technical assistance

VICTIM RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Data collection, Descriptive studies, Needs assessment, Program evaluation, Qualitative studies, Quantitative studies, Quasi-experimental studies, Randomized controlled trial, Training and/or technical assistance