Criminology

Name: Amin Asfari, Ph.D.
Title: Associate Professor and Program Chair, Criminology
Hometown: Raleigh, NC

How long have you been teaching at Regis? And what drew you to Regis in the first place?
I’ve been at Regis University for one year. I was drawn to Regis for a few reasons, but primarily its mission and focus on social justice, not just in theory, but in practice. It stood out to me from other criminology programs in Colorado.

Could you tell us specifically about your experience researching and writing about Muslims and police, Muslim assimilation, and Islamophobia in correctional institutions?
I refer to my research as ‘strategically’ non-specialized. By this, I mean that I like to examine all facets of the criminal justice system, with a strong emphasis on Muslims. Muslims have been studied heavily as potential threats post-9/11, but there is not enough known about how they navigate the criminal justice system as victims, perpetrators or professionals working within the system. I also see Islamophobia (hatred and fear of Muslims) as a unique way to understand how hate crimes unfold and impact the American Muslim population.

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the criminology program at Regis?
Since I began, I focused on developing a program that aligns with the social justice mission of the university, while being connected to the needs of students and employers. Moreover, the criminology program connects students to potential employment opportunities through experiential learning opportunities with our partner organizations. Several students have already secured internships and employment opportunities prior to graduating.

What differentiates the Regis criminology program from similar programs at other universities?
Our advisory board. I organized an advisory board that includes traditional criminal justice organizations, such as police courts and corrections, and the non-profit sector. Much of the work done today in the criminal legal system is done through non-profit agencies. Whether we are talking about organizations that deal with the unhoused, prisoner reentry, substance abuse or domestic violence, our advisory board contains a wide variety of experts to help shape the curriculum into one that is constantly relevant, and they provide students networking opportunities which are critically important for their professional development.

Do you have any advice for aspiring criminologists or students seeking related career paths?
Two things are important if you want to succeed — dedication to helping others and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone to network with professionals in the field.