The College of Sciences and Humanities welcomes Dr. Andrew Gray as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Dr. Andrew Gray earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Northern University as a double-major in Sociology and Criminal Justice. He then attended the University of Delaware where he earned both his M.A. and Ph.D. in Criminology from the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice with specializations in criminological theory and race/ethnicity.
What initially drew you to your field of study/piqued your interest?
I had actually entered undergrad with an “undeclared” major and it wasn’t until I started taking sociology and criminal justice-related courses that I decided on them as my majors. What spoke to me most at the time were the theoretical perspectives covered and the attempts to explain what is going on in the world around us, especially regarding crime and justice issues.
What is your research focus in your department/area of study?
My research focus involves the study of race/ethnicity and racism with regards to violence, victimization, and social control. Specifically, I’ve worked on studies looking at racial differences in the use of fatal force by police, the history and legacy of lynching, intimate partner violence/homicide, and the ways that structural inequalities can help us make sense of crime trends. I was also a member of the Delaware Opioid Metric Intelligence Project (DOMIP) research team studying opioid use, overdose, and drug arrest trends in Delaware.
What drew you to Ball State? What are some of your goals for your first year here?
Coming back to the Midwest was appealing to me. I thought a lot about my experiences growing up nearby in northwest Ohio and what I might be able to contribute as a faculty member at BSU. When I arrived for my interview, Muncie felt familiar in some ways and I enjoyed learning more about the CJC department and meeting everyone – it felt like it a great fit. My goals with this first year are to just get settled within the department and university with regards to my teaching, research agenda, service, and working with students.
What are some of your hobbies/non-academic interests?
I read a lot outside of my academic interests. I have bookcases full of horror, fantasy, and science fiction books – including almost everything Stephen King has written. I also love listening music and going to see live shows as often as I’m able to.