Biography

Jill Doerner is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and an Affiliate of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program who researches differential sentencing outcomes in the criminal justice system, examining disparities across gender, race/ethnicity and age. Her more recent research focuses on the consequences of incarceration on the aging prison population including safety, social support, health and mental well-being, and self-care behavior, along with differential sentencing among this population. Additionally, her research in the area of teaching and learning discusses experiential strategies for teaching inequality and examines students’ attitudes toward these issues.

Dr. Doerner joined the University of Rhode Island Department of Sociology and Anthropology in fall 2008. In fall 2020, she became an Associate Director in the URI Honors Program. She served as Director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program from 2018-2020 and Interim Director from 2016-2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and economics as well as a master’s degree and a doctorate in sociology. She regularly teaches courses such as SOC/CCJ/PSC 274 Criminal Justice System, SOC/CCJ/PSC 274H – Honors Section of Criminal Justice System, SOC 332 Juvenile Justice, SOC 403 Gender, Crime, and Justice, and SOC/CCJ/PSC 476 Policy Issues in Criminal Justice. In 2019, she was appointed by RI Governor Gina Raimondo to serve on the Gun Safety Working Group.