05/23/2025
By Karen Mullins
The School of Criminology and Justice Studies is proud to announce a Dissertation Proposal Defense by Michael J. Mills entitled: “To Empty my Breath from its Bad Prison - Misconduct, Trauma, and the Prison Environment"
Date: Thursday, June 5
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Location: HSSB 4th floor room 431 and via Zoom
Committee:
- Josh Long, Ph.D., Committee Chair, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Neil Shortland, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Cathy Levey, Ph.D., Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Jason Rydberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Abstract:
The current proposal explores the intersection of mental health, trauma, and suicidality on institutional misconduct within a prison environment. Research questions are built around mental health factors that could predict misconduct such as rule-breaking, use of illicit drugs, and engaging in violent acts while incarcerated. Data for analysis comes from a state department of corrections in the northeastern region of the United States. The dataset represents a state-wide correctional apparatus that prioritizes mental health treatment and wellness for incarcerated persons. This allows for special attention to be paid to the potential mitigating impacts these types of approaches have and how correctional approaches can better serve an increasingly present population within their confines.