School of Public Affairs’ Professorial Lecturer, Jane Palmer, was recently awarded the New Scholar Award by the American Society of Criminology’s Division on Women and Crime.

The award recognizes the achievements of scholars who show outstanding merit at the beginnings of their career. Palmer was recognized for her work to address sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

“As a former social worker who worked with abuse victims and perpetrators, I am dedicated to conducting research that can inform policy and practice,” said Palmer. “I am also very interested in measurement issues, especially for research on sensitive topics and with marginalized communities. We can’t make meaningful recommendations if we aren’t conducting quality research.”

It is well documented that gender-based violence has adverse effects on college women, including their academic achievement. Palmer has published six peer-reviewed articles in 2016, contributing to the understanding of bystander intervention, help-seeking by victims from marginalized communities, and measurement in the gender-based violence field.

“Dr. Palmer’s work regarding sexual assault on college campuses, bystander intervention, and violence against Native Americans has improved our understanding of several issues critical to DWC’s mission,” said Emily Wright, associate professor at the University of Nebraska, Omaha’s School of Criminology & Criminal Justice. “Please join me in congratulating her on receiving DWC’s New Scholar Award.”

For more information about Jane, visit: http://www.american.edu/spa/faculty/jpalmer.cfm