Biography

Jill Doerner is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology and an Affiliate in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice 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. She served as an Associate Director in the URI Honors Program from 2020-2023, 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 CCJ/PSC 274 – Criminal Justice System, CCJ/PSC 274H – Honors Criminal Justice System, CCJ 332 – Juvenile Justice, CCJ 403 – Gender, Crime, and Justice, CCJ/PSC 476 – Policy, Crime, and Justice, and SOC 100H – Honors Introduction to the Sociological Perspective. In 2019, she was appointed by RI Governor Gina Raimondo to serve on the Gun Safety Working Group.