Criminology and Justice Studies people

Robert (Rob) Watts is Professor of Social Policy at RMIT University.Rob’s work as a teacher and a writer has been driven by an abiding and deep intellectual curiosity and a desire to better understand ourselves and our world as a prelude to doing better so that we can all lead flourishing lives. 

Professor Stuart Thomas has a combined background in psychology and law and specialises in forensic mental health research. His research interests include: Police contact with vulnerable populations; Use of force; Stigma; Youth violence; Epidemiology of mental illness; Outcome measurement.

Dr Ruyters is the Deputy Dean of Justice and Legal Studies at RMIT. Her recent research has a socio-legal focus and concerns miscarriages of justice. Dr Ruyters previous projects explored gendered habitus, embodiment and the transformative potential of fitness training and self-defence for women.

Dr Powell’s recent research lie at the intersections of gender-based violence, technology, justice and digital culture. Dr Powell holds an Australian Research Council funded fellowship (DECRA) focusing on crime, justice and social media. Her recent work contributes (with Drs Cameron and Stratton) to the ‘Digital Criminology’ research cluster.

Dr Liddell’s current research areas include: child protection; issues facing young people in the juvenile justice system; as well as women and justice. She brings extensive experience in child protection and case management to her research and teaching.

The focus of Dr Heydon’s primary research field is the detailed analysis of the language used by participants in police interviews. More broadly, she provides training and professional development to legal and law enforcement professionals in cross-cultural communication, using an interpreter, and credibility assessment.

Dr Cameron is the Program Manager for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at RMIT. Dr Cameron’s research focuses primarily on counter-terrorism, 9/11 and the war on terror, in particular the effects on social cohesion and community resilience. He has also conducted research into security and policing responses to other crises such disasters and protests. His current work contributes (with Drs Powell and Stratton) to the ‘Digital Criminology’ research cluster.

Dr Martinovic is a leading expert in forensic electronic monitoring, publishing widely in this field as well as in numerous consultancies and government reports. More broadly, her research interests include the impact of criminal sanctions on offenders and their families, contemporary criminological issues such as violent crime, white collar crime and organised crime, and the principles of good teaching practice.

Dr Sandy is the Program Manager for the Bachelor of Justice and Criminology (Honours) at RMIT. Her research focuses on gender, sexuality and culture with an expertise in Southeast Asia. Dr Sandy’s previous projects have explored women’s experiences of sex work and the complex issues surrounding agency and sex work in Cambodia; drug use and HIV risk in Indonesia; and intimate partner homicide in Australia.

James has worked at RMIT in a research capacity since 2000 before joining the school in a teaching role in 2005. He received his doctorate from Monash University in 2000 after conducting a critical analysis of Victorian drug policy in which he argued against the continued politicisation (and consequent criminalisation) of what is essentially a health and welfare issue.

Dr Russell Solomon teaches in the Criminology and Justice Studies discipline of the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies.

Russell's current research interests include working on a project on the human rights implications of the United Kingdom's Brexit and another collaborative one examining the European Union's juridification and the challenge this poses for its democratisation.

Dr Peta Malins is Program Manager of the Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies and a Lecturer in Criminology and Justice Studies. She is a member of the Social and Global Studies Centre and the Centre for Urban Research.

Sharon first stepped onto a university campus 11 years ago as a mature age student. She hasn’t left yet. Sharon worked for the Federal public service for 12 exceptionally long years and has taught in social research and policy related subjects at both RMIT and Southern Cross University.

Kate Driscoll has been teaching, and undertaking consultancy work and research at RMIT since 1989. She currently teaches in the Master of Public Policy program and recently completed a PhD thesis Drawing race and refugees: making sense of political cartoons of Australian refugee policy 1886-2001.

Dr Binoy Kampmark is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, teaching within the Bachelor of Social Science (Legal and Dispute Studies) program.

Dr Gemma Hamilton's research focuses on violence against women and children, with expertise in family violence, sexual assault, and forensic interviewing. Gemma coordinates subjects such as Introduction to Criminal Psychology (Course code: JUST2323), and Forensic Interviewing (Course code: JUST117). Gemma has been awarded RMIT's outstanding sessional lecturer award for teaching excellence. 

Una Stone has been teaching in the Justice and Legal program since 2006. Her research interests include female offenders, indigenous issues and violence against women.