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Jesenia Pizarro, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. Her research focus on the importance of understanding the proximal event and situational factors that result in violence (i.e., the who, where, when, and why), and the effect the situational context of violent events has on the social reaction of practitioners and other social actors. While her research focus centers on violence, she also studies the politics of punishment and the criminology of micro places. Her corrections work has focused on the administration and use of administrative segregation units throughout the country's state correctional systems. Her crime and micro places has focused on the distribution of disorders that can impede the development of healthy neighborhoods.
Dr. Pizarro is currently a member of the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens Consortium (FACTS), and the Homicide Research Working Group (HRWG). She is also a board member of Arizonians for Gun Safety and that National Center for School Safety. Throughout her career, she has worked with various police departments and agencies throughout the country in joint efforts to curb violence (i.e., Detroit, MI; Flint, MI; and Newark, NJ), and has managed funded grants that focus on urban violence and intimate partner homicide prevention, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, National Institute of Health, the National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research, and the Center for Disease Control in various capacities and roles.
Ph.D. Criminal Justice, School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University-Newark 2005
M.A. Criminal Justice, School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University-Newark 2002
B.S. Criminal Justice (Honors), Rutgers University-Newark 2000
Homicide, Violence, Criminological Theory, Correcton's Policy
Recent Publications
*Denotes Graduate Student
Pizarro, J.M., Zgoba, K.M. & Pelletier, K.R.* Firearm Use in Violent Crime: Examining the Role of Premeditation and Motivation in Weapon Choice. The Journal of Primary Prevention. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10935-020-00595-z
Pizarro, J. M., Sadler, R. C., Goldstick, J., Turchan, B.*, McGarrell, E. F., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2020). Community-driven disorder reduction: Crime prevention through a clean and green initiative in a legacy city. Urban Studies. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098019892163
Pizarro, J. M., Zgoba, K. M., Salerno, L. M., & Circo, G.* (2020). The Processing of Homicides in the Courts: An Examination of Multiple Case Outcomes. Race and Justice, 10(4), 400–423. https://doi.org/10.1177/2153368718759401
Zgoba, K. M., Pizarro, J. M., & Salerno, L. M. (2020). Assessing the Impact of Restrictive Housing on Inmate Post-Release Criminal Behavior. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 45(1), 102-125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-019-09496-2
Pizarro, J. M., Terrill, W., & LoFaso, C. A*. (2020). The Impact of Investigation Strategies and Tactics on Homicide Clearance. Homicide Studies,24(1), 3–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767918816741
Turchan, B.*, Grubb, J. A., Pizarro, J. M., & McGarrell, E. F. (2019). Arson in an urban setting: A multi-event near repeat chain analysis in Flint, Michigan. Security Journal, 32(3), 179-197. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41284-018-0155-0
Zeoli, A. M., Paruk, J. K.*, Pizarro, J. M., & Goldstick, J. (2019). Ecological research for studies of violence: a methodological guide. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(23-24), 4860-4880. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519871528
Cunningham, R. M., Carter, P. M., Ranney, M. L., Walton, M., Zeoli, A. M., Alpern, E. R., ... & Pizarro, J.M. (2019). Prevention of firearm injuries among children and adolescents: consensus-driven research agenda from the Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens (FACTS) Consortium. Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], Pediatrics, 173(8), 780-789. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1494. 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1494
Schmidt, C. J., Rupp, L., Pizarro, J. M., Lee, D. B., Branas, C. C., & Zimmerman, M. A. (2019). Risk and protective factors related to youth firearm violence: a scoping review and directions for future research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(4), 706-723. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00076-7
Pizarro, J. M., Holt, K., & Pelletier, K. R.* (2019). An examination of the situated transactions of firearm homicides. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(4), 613-625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-019-00050-3
Reese, L. A., Vertalka, J. J., Wilkins, M. J., & Pizarro, J. M. (2019). Demographic and urban environmental variables associated with dog bites in Detroit. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(8), 986-990. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.8.986
Pelletier, K. R.*, & Pizarro, J. M. (2019). Homicides and Weapons: Examining the Covariates of Weapon Choice. Homicide Studies, 23(1), 41–63. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088767918807252
Rosenthal, J.*, & Pizarro, J.M. (2019). “Arizona Gun Laws 101.” Arizonians for Gun Safety. http://www.azfgs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Arizona-Gun-Laws-101-4.19.pdf
Current Funded Research
2020-2022. A Comparison of Firearm Related Intimate Partner Homicide in Texas and Maryland: Prevalence, Identification of Those at Risk, and the Effect of Firearm Regulations. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH/NICHD), $1,056,501, ASU amount $251,958. With PIs Jill Messing (ASU) and Jaquelyn Campbell (JHU).
2020-2022. A Comparison of Firearm-Related Intimate Partner Homicide in Missouri and Oregon: Prevalence, Risk, and the Effect of Firearm Regulations. Funded by Rand, National Collaborative on Gun Violence Research, $1,334,200, ASU amount $751,966. With PIs Jill Messing (ASU) and Jaquelyn Campbell (JHU).
2020-2022. An Examination of Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Homicides in New Jersey. Funded by Everytown for Gun Safety, $300,000, ASU amount $150,000. With PIs Jill Messing (ASU) and Jaquelyn Campbell (JHU).
2018-2020. An Examination of Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Homicide in Arizona. Arizona State University, College of Public Service and Community Solutions, C4C Internal Grant, $160,000. With PI Jill Messing (ASU).
| Fall 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 502 | Seminar in Criminology |
| Summer 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| Spring 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 592 | Research |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| CRJ 601 | Seminar, Criminological Theory |
| Fall 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 462 | Gangs |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Summer 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| Spring 2019 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 502 | Seminar in Criminology |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Fall 2018 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 462 | Gangs |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 592 | Research |
| CRJ 595 | Continuing Registration |
| CRJ 599 | Thesis |
| Spring 2018 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Fall 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Spring 2017 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 225 | Introduction to Criminology |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
| Fall 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 494 | Special Topics |
| CRJ 520 | Seminar on Violent Crime |
| Spring 2016 | |
|---|---|
| Course Number | Course Title |
| CRJ 505 | Thry & Prac Criminal Justice |
Recent Presentations/Speaking Engagemets/Workshops
Pizarro, J.M. (October 2020). Faculty Development Workshop – How to Launch Your Research and Teaching Without A Hitch (Panelist). Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions.
Pizarro, J.M. (October 2020). The Incarceration and Rehabilitation of Women. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) – Scottsdale (AZ) Branch. Zoom Presentation.
Pizarro, J.M. (September 2020). Race, Policing, and Firearms (Panel Moderator). Firearm Safe Among Children & Teens Consortium (FACTS) Mini Symposium. University of Michigan.
AbiNader, M.A, Pizarro, J.M., & Messing, J.T. ( February 2020). Arizona Intimate Partner Homicide Study. Arizona Crime Analyst Symposium. School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University.
Pizarro, J.M. (February 2020). The CSA, Gun Control, and Immigration (Discussant). The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) at 50 years Symposium. Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University.
Pizarro, J.M. (January 2020). Navigating Career Success as a Woman in Academia (Panelist). ASU Graduate Women’s Association Spring Panel. Arizona State University.
Pizarro, J.M., Zgoba, K.M., & Yan, Shi (November 2019). Who’s in Administrative Segregation: The Effect of Inmate Type on Post-Release Behavioral Outcomes. American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Zgoba, K.M. & Pizarro, J.M. (November 2019). An Exploratory Analysis of Female Placement in Restrictive Housing. American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Pizarro, J.M., Zimmerman, M.A., Goldstick, J., Heinze, J., & Rupp, L. (November 2019). Dose Response Analysis of Neighborhood Remediation Activities. American Society of Criminology Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA.
Carter, P., Zimmerman, M.A., Hemenway, D., Pizarro, J.M., & Rupp, L. (November 2019). FACTS: National Survey. American Society of Criminology Annual Conference. San Francisco, CA.
Pizarro, J.M. (September 2019). First Gen Welcome, First Year Success Panel Event (Panelist). Arizona State University, First Year Success Center.
Pizarro, J.M. (September 2019). The Gun Chronicles: A Story of America (Moderator). The Gun Violence Awareness Task Force, Desert Southwest Conference, United Methodist Church (Paradise Valley United Methodist Church).
Pizarro, J.M., Holt, K., Zeoli, A.M, & Pelletier, K.R.* (June 2019). An examination of the situational dynamics of multiple victim homicides. Homicide Research Working Group Annual Conference, Clearwater Beach, FL.
Pizarro, J.M. (April 2019). First Generation Student Dinner (Speaker). Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions.
Schmidt, C.J., Rupp, L., Pizarro, J.M., Lee, D.B., Branas, C., & Zimmerman, M.A. (March 2019). A Review of Risk & Protective Factors of Youth Firearm Victimization, Perpetration, & Suicide. Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Baltimore, MD.
Pizarro, J.M. (February 2019). Rehabilitation What Works, What is Promising. Ryle Faith Leaders Public Policy Institute. Central United Methodist Church, Phoenix AZ.
Athena Young Professional Leadership Award (2015)
Peer-Reviewed Journal Editorships
2021–Present Homicide Studies
Peer-Reviewed Journal Guest Editorships
2016-2017 Race and Justice, Special Issue on The Unique Challenges Faced by Faculty of Color in Academia (Volume 7, Issue 2).
Peer-Reviewed Journal Editorial Boards
2021-Present American Journal of Criminal Justice
2019-2020 Homicide Studies
2014-Present Race and Justice
2012-Present Criminal Justice Studies
2000-Present American Society of Criminology
2011-Present Homicide Research Working Group
2016-Present Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
2018-Present Criminal Justice Research Alliance
Ph.D. Dissertation Committees:
Karissa R. Pelletier (chair). “ An Examination into the Risk Factors Surrounding Children and Teen Homicide.” Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. In Progress, Expected May 2021.
Michael Rossler (Member). “Environment and Citizen Resistance of Police Coercive Authority:Application of Defiance and Social Disorganization Theories.” Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice, May 2015.
Rachel A. Johansen (Outside Reader). “The Effects of Urban Greening in Flint, MI: The Politics of Justice and Scale.” Michigan State University, Sociology Department, May 2015.
Raymund Espinosa Narag (Member). “Mitigating Crime in a Slum Community: Understanding the Role of Social Structures, Social Processes, and Community Culture in a Neighborhood Intervention Program.” Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice May 2013.
Eric Lesneskie (Outside Reader). “Homicide in the Projects: An Analysis of the Effect of Public Housing on Lethal Violence.” Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice May 2013.
Masters Thesis Committees
Augustine, Brandee (Member). “Defunding the Police.” Expected May 2021.
Erskine, Kymani (Member). “The Effect of Victims’ Offending Histories on Case Processing & Sentencing.” Expected May 2021.
Allen, Savanna (Chair). “Delinquent Perfectionists: A Study of the Interaction Between Strain and Perfectionism on Deviant Behavior Among College Students.” May 2020.
Pelletier, Karissa (Chair). “Motivation to Kill: The Relationship between Motive and Weapon Choice in Homicides.” Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, May 2017.
Weldon, Shelby (Member). “Intimate Partner Violence: Examining Educational Programs & Relationship Length.” Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, August 2016.
Keiondra Grace (Member). “Black Female Victimization Matters: A Multiracial Feminist Approach to Violent Victimization.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, December 2015.
Brandon Turchan (Member). “Handgun Carrying Permits: A Reaction to Local Violent Crime and Nationally Publicized Mass Murders?” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2014.
Alison Colby (Member). “Sorry this Bus is Not in Service: Public Transportation Accessibility as a Source of Recidivism Risk in Rural Areas.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, December 2013.
Chae Mamayek (Chair). “Examining the Relationship between Weather and Disaggregated Homicide Types.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2013.
Lauren E. Healey (Chair). “The Relationship between Diet and Aggression in Adolescents.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2012.
Sarah Thomasma (Member). “A Comparison of Trace DNA Collection Techniques from Worn and Handled Clothing.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2012.
Jennifer J. Adams (Chair). “Patterns of Specialization and Escalation in Criminal Careers of Gang and Nongang Homicide Offenders.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, August 2011.
Chelsea Breanne Diem (Member). “Evaluating and Intensive Supervision Probation Program in a College City: Revisiting the Debate between Rehabilitation and Control.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, May 2011.
Raymond Espinosa Narag (Member). “Criminal Victimization in the Philippines: A Test of Lifestyle Exposure, Routine Activities, and Social Disorganization Theories.” Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, May 2007.
Ph.D. Guidance Committees
Karissa R. Pelletier (Chair). Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2017-Present.
Jessica M. Rosenthal (Chair). Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2019-2020.
Victor J. Mora (Member). Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 2016-2018.
Giovanni M. Circo (Chair). Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice 2014-2015.
Raymund Espinosa Narag (Member). Michigan State University, School of Criminal Justice, 2008 – 2013.
Graduate Research Supervision
*Denotes School Funded Research Assistant Support
Elizabeth Adams (MSU CJ Ph.D Student), Fall 2013 to Fall 2014, Research Assistant, Detroit Ceasefire Study.
Ravon Alford* (MSU, CJ MS Student), Summer 2014 to Spring 2015, Research Assistant Flint University Avenue & YVPC Studies.
Savanna Allen* (ASU, CCJ MS Student), Fall 2018 to Spring 2020, Research Assistant for AZ Homicide Study & FACTS Trainee.
Gabriel Alvarez (ASU, CCJ MS Student), Fall 2020 to Ongoing, Research Intern PAIR Studies.
Giovanni Circo* (MSU, CJ Ph.D Student), Fall 2013 to Spring 2015, Research Assistant Detroit Ceasefire and Flint University Avenue Studies.
Vaughn Crichlow (MSU, CJ Student), Spring 2013 to Spring 2014, Research Assistant Detroit Ceasefire Study.
Andrew Gilchrist* (MSU, CJ MS Student), Fall 2011 to Spring 2013, Detroit Ceasefire & YVPC Studies.
Juan Ghiorzo* (ASU, CCJ Ph.D Student), Fall 2020 to Ongoing, Research Assistant PAIR Studies.
Florence James (ASU, CCJ MA Student), Fall 2020 to Ongoing, Research Intern PAIR Studies.
Cesar Lugo (MSU, CJ MS Student), Fall 2014 to Fall 2015, Research Assistant, Detroit Ceasefire Study.
Victor Mora* (ASU, CCJ PhD Student), Spring 2016 to Spring 2017, Research Assistant for Newark & Rochester Homicide Studies.
Sebastian Naranjo (ASU, CCJ MA Student), Spring 2021 to Ongoing, Research Intern PAIR Studies.
Daniela Oramas Mora* (ASU, CCJ Ph.D. Student), Fall 2020 to Ongoing, Research Assistant PAIR Studies.
Karissa R. Pelletier (ASU, CCJ PhD Student), Fall 2019 to Ongoing, Research Assistant AZIPH/PAIR Studies & FACTS Trainee.
Olivia Stahlke (ASU, CCJ MS Student), Fall 2020 to Ongoing, Research Assistant AZIPH & PAIR Studies.
Naiomi Rivera (University of Puerto Rico, MS Student), Spring 2014 to Fall 2015, Research Assistant Puerto Rico Project Safe Neighborhoods Study.
Jessica Rosenthal* (ASU, CCJ Ph.D Student), Spring 2019 to Spring 2020, Research Assistant AZIPH and Newark Study, FACTS Trainee.
Michael Rossler (MSU, CJ Ph.D Student), Summer 2013 to Spring 2015, Research Assistant Detroit Ceasefire and Flint University Avenue Studies.
Brandon Turchan* (MSU, CJ MS Student), Spring 2013 to Spring 2014, Research Assistant Flint University Avenue & YVPC Studies.
2016-Present Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University.
2012-2015 Associate Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University.
2006-2012 Assistant Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
2005-2006 Visiting Professor, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University.
1999-2005 Research Assistant, Greater Newark Safer Cities Initiative, Police Institute, Rutgers University.
2001 Research Assistant, Bradley Project, Police Foundation.
1999-2000 Research Assistant, Community Policing and Crime Victims Study, Police Foundation.
1998-1999 Research Assistant, Jersey City Crime Displacement Project, Police Foundation.
Departmental
2020-Present Member: Undergraduate Committee, Arizona State University, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Institutional
2020-Present Member: Public Safety Advisory Committee, Downtown Phoenix Campus, Arizona State University.
2018-2021. Firearm Safety Among Children and Teens Consortium (FACTS). Funded by the National Institute of Health (1R24HD087149), PIs Rebecca Cunningham (UMich), Marc Zimmerman (UMich), and Patrick Carter (UMich).
2019-Present Advisory Board Member: National Center for School Safety
2018-Present Advisory Board Member: Arizonians for Gun Safety
