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Jesenia Pizarro

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School of Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJ)
Associate Professor
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 4420
School of Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJ)
Associate Professor
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 4420
Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association member
Member
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 4420
Office of Gender-Based Violence (OGBV)
Associate Professor
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 4420
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
Associate Professor
Faculty, DTPHX Campus, Mailcode 4420
Biography: 

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. 

Fax: 
602-796-0045
CV
Binary Data Curriculum Vitae
Education: 

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

Google Scholar URL: 
Google Scholar Profile
Experts.asu URL: 
Experts.asu Profile
Research Interests: 

Homicide, Violence, Criminological Theory, Correcton's Policy

Research Group: 

FACTS (https://www.icpsr.umich.edu/web/pages/facts/index.html)

 

Publications: 

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

Research Activity: 

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. 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. 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. 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).

Spring 2021
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 309Criminology
Fall 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 502Seminar in Criminology
Summer 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 595Continuing Registration
Spring 2020
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
CRJ 592Research
CRJ 595Continuing Registration
CRJ 599Thesis
CRJ 601Seminar, Criminological Theory
Fall 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 462Gangs
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
CRJ 595Continuing Registration
CRJ 599Thesis
Summer 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 595Continuing Registration
Spring 2019
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 502Seminar in Criminology
CRJ 599Thesis
Fall 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 462Gangs
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
CRJ 592Research
CRJ 595Continuing Registration
CRJ 599Thesis
Spring 2018
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 225Introduction to Criminology
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
Fall 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 225Introduction to Criminology
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
Spring 2017
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 225Introduction to Criminology
CRJ 505Thry & Prac Criminal Justice
Fall 2016
Course NumberCourse Title
CRJ 494Special Topics
CRJ 520Seminar on Violent Crime
Presentations: 

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.

 

 

Honors / Awards: 

Athena Young Professional Leadership Award (2015)

Editorships: 

 

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

Professional Associations: 

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

Graduate Faculties / Mentoring History: 

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.

 

Work History: 

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.

Service: 

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.

Consulting: 

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).

Board: 

2019-Present   Advisory Board Member: National Center for School Safety

2018-Present   Advisory Board Member: Arizonians for Gun Safety

Expertise Areas: 
Violence
Criminology
Corrections