In January of 2018, the Criminal Justice Research Center’s Director, Dr. Dana Haynie, was contacted by the American Sociological Association and advised that her research project, along with graduate student and co-investigator Scott Duxbury, had been selected by the American Sociological Association to represent them at the Annual Coalition for National Science Funding Exhibition and Reception.  Just recently, Ohio State was again contacted and advised that the American Sociological Association/Ohio State University exhibition entry, "Opioid Distribution on a Darknet Cryptomarket," has been selected as a featured exhibitor for 2018 Annual Coalition for National Science Funding Exhibition and Reception which will be held on Capitol Hill on May 9, 2018.  Only a few featured exhibitors are selected and will receive priority exhibit space and a highlighted spots in promotions such as the press releases.  

The research project, which is funded by the Coalition for National Science Funding, examines the use of the dark web as it relates to drug trafficking.  The study is using network analytical techniques to evaluate what intervention strategies can be used to inhibit dark net drug trade and what internal market dynamics sustain and facilitate the growth of dark net markets.  The project involves modeling the entire market using cutting edge network analytic techniques, examining (1) how markets respond to law-enforcement through arrest, (2) how the market reacts to sustained cyber-attacks, and (3) what vendor and buyer characteristics facilitate market growth.

This event is a research symposium for politicians including senators and members of the House and their staffs.  It is designed to highlight the importance of the federal funding of science research.  Additionally, they will also have scheduled meetings with Ohio's representatives to discuss the research prior to the exhibit.

Congratulations to Dr. Dana Haynie, and co-investigator Scott Duxbury.