About SRI

Faculty pursuing tenure and career success in research intensive institutions, academics transitioning from teaching to research institutions, and faculty members carrying out research in teaching contexts will be interested in this Summer Research Institute. Organized by Jody MillerRod Brunson, and Ruth Peterson, and funded by the National Science Foundation and Rutgers University-Newark, the institute is designed to promote successful research projects and careers among faculty from underrepresented groups working in areas of crime and criminal justice. During the institute, each participant will complete an ongoing project (either a research paper or grant proposal) in preparation for journal submission or agency funding review. In addition, participants will gain information that will serve as a tool-kit tailored to successful navigation of the academic setting.

The Summer Research Institute is a component of the Racial Democracy, Crime and Justice Network (RDCJN). The purpose of the RDCJN is to collectively undertake research and related initiatives geared to exploring the implications of crime and justice processing for democratic participation. This focus is informed by currents of history, cutting-edge crime and justice research, unfolding world events, and the interests and engagements of networks participants. Our specific objectives are twofold: (1) advancing research on issues of citizenship and democratic participation at the intersection of race, crime, and justice; and (2) promoting racial/ethnic democratization of academe by supporting junior scholars of color (racial/ethnic minorities) in advancing their academic careers. Our experiences indicate that young scholars of color encounter dilemmas, challenges and barriers that complicate their promotion in the academy, and retard advances in knowledge that can come from the perspectives on race, crime and justice that these scholars potentially offer. The purpose of the Summer Research Institute (SRI) is to facilitate the success of junior faculty and help broaden participation in academe.

Institute Information

The Summer Research Institute will provide participants with:

  • Resources for completing their research projects;
  • Senior faculty mentors in their areas of study;
  • Opportunities to network with junior and senior scholars;
  • Workshops addressing topics related to publishing, professionalization and career planning;
  • Travel expenses to New Jersey, housing in Newark, and living expenses.

The institute will culminate in a research symposium where participants present their completed research before a scholarly audience. 

Eligibility

All applicants must hold regular tenure-track positions in U.S. institutions and demonstrate how their participation broadens participation of underrepresented groups in crime and justice research. Graduate students without tenure track appointments are ineligible for this program. Please direct all inquiries to: rdcjn@newark.rutgers.edu.