Dr. Alex Piquero is a distinguished criminologist and leading authority in criminal justice research and social inequality. He currently serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology & Criminology at the University of Miami, where he also holds the prestigious designation of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Scholar. Prior to his appointment at Miami, he held significant academic positions including Professor of Criminology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and Director of Social Impact Research at the University of Texas at Dallas. His academic foundation was established through comprehensive education at the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in Criminology with honors.
Dr. Piquero's research has profoundly influenced contemporary understanding of criminal behavior, recidivism patterns, and justice system interventions across multiple jurisdictions. His influential contributions as a member of the MacArthur Foundation's Research Team on Models for Change Initiative have informed critical policy reforms throughout juvenile justice systems nationwide. As a Senior Research Fellow at The Police Foundation, he has significantly advanced evidence-based policing practices that balance community safety with procedural justice considerations. His advisory role with the Ford Foundation's National Immigration Study further demonstrates his capacity to bridge rigorous academic research with practical policy applications in complex social domains.
Beyond his individual scholarly contributions, Dr. Piquero has been instrumental in building collaborative research networks that connect academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations across international boundaries. His leadership as Coordinator of the University of Florida Team in the Atlantic Coast Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Alliance exemplified his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches for addressing multifaceted social problems. Currently serving as Chapter Member for the Florida Scholars Strategy Network, he continues to translate research into actionable policy recommendations that address pressing societal challenges. Dr. Piquero remains dedicated to mentoring emerging scholars while advancing evidence-based approaches to creating more equitable and effective justice systems globally.
