Jessica Visnesky
B.A. Criminology and Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.A. Sociology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
About Jessica Visnesky
Jessica Visnesky received her B.A. degrees in criminology and psychology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania as well as her M.A. in sociology with a specialization in criminal justice policy/research methodology. She has worked in the juvenile justice and social service fields, working in diversion and acute stabilization programs, residential treatment for adolescent offenders, mental health casework, as well as program administration.
Professor Visnesky’s research has focused on the intersections of the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, delinquency prevention, social policy analysis, and program evaluation, as well as large-scale efforts to combat the social phenomenon known as the “School-to-Prison Pipeline.” Her most recent research has focused on the implementation of gender-specific programming for pregnant and/or mothering incarcerated youth at a regionally ranked juvenile justice facility. She has presented her research at regional, national, and international sociology and criminal justice conferences.
Courses Taught
Criminal Justice Administration
Crime and Delinquency Prevention
Juvenile Justice
Race, Class, Gender, and Crime
Punishment and Corrections
Victimology
Special Topics courses on Understanding and Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline, School Violence, and Hate Crimes