Yasemin IrvinErickson is an academic, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on victimisation, violence, and social justice issues in contemporary society. As an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University, she combines classroom teaching with rigorous research aimed at understanding and addressing complex patterns of victimisation, especially in relation to domestic violence and identity fraud. Her career has spanned academic institutions, think tanks, and research centres, reflecting a commitment to evidencebased policy, community support services, and actionable insights that can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Academic and Professional Background
Yasemin IrvinErickson’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in sociology and forensic science. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology from Middle East Technical University in Turkey, and later pursued a master’s in forensic science at Istanbul University. Her interest in criminal justice led her to pursue graduate studies at Rutgers School of Criminal Justice in the United States, where she completed both a master’s and a PhD in Criminal Justice by 2014. This interdisciplinary background equipped her with both quantitative analytical skills and qualitative insights essential for modern criminological research.
Early Research and Urban Institute Work
Before joining George Mason University, IrvinErickson served as a senior researcher at the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center. In this role, she managed a diverse research portfolio focused on violence and victimisation, directing projects that explored economic resilience, the impacts of violence on vulnerable communities, and barriers to accessing justice and support services. Her work often involved large, externally funded studies – totaling over several million dollars – and included collaborations with national research consortia.
Teaching and Academic Roles
At George Mason University, IrvinErickson teaches a range of courses in criminology and victimology, helping undergraduate and graduate students understand both theoretical and practical aspects of crime studies. Her courses cover topics such as domestic violence, crime and place, research methods, and criminological theory, and are designed to develop analytical thinking and ethical awareness among future practitioners and researchers.
Honours and Recognition
In addition to her research and teaching, IrvinErickson has received recognition from professional organisations for her contributions to the field. For instance, she was honoured with the Faculty Teacher of the Year Award by the Division of Victimology of the American Society of Criminology, highlighting her excellence in instruction and impact on student learning.
Research Focus and Contributions
IrvinErickson’s research spans key topics in criminology, with a particular emphasis on understanding victimisation patterns, the impact of violence, and the use of technology and data to inform policy and practice. Her work is notable for combining quantitative and mixedmethods approaches that offer both depth and breadth of insight into contemporary social problems.
Victimisation and Domestic Violence
A significant portion of her research investigates victimisation, particularly domestic violence and its impacts. One of her major projects, funded by the National Science Foundation, examined how the COVID19 pandemic affected the risk of victimisation and the service needs of survivors of domestic violence. This study used mixed methods to gather data from victims, service providers, and community stakeholders, producing evidence aimed at improving both policy and frontline practices for supporting survivors.
Identity Fraud and Technology
Another key research area for IrvinErickson is identity fraud victimisation. Through reviews and empirical analyses published in peerreviewed journals, she has expanded understanding of how identity theft affects different populations and the systemic factors that influence reporting, harm, and recovery. Her work in this domain also assesses how immigration status and other demographic factors may relate to the risk of fraud victimisation.
International and CrossCultural Studies
Her collaborative research extends beyond domestic contexts, exploring how different populations perceive and experience legal protections and violence. For example, she coauthored work examining international college students’ knowledge of Title IX protections against sexual harassment in the United States, revealing gaps in awareness and the need for improved educational resources.
Selected Projects and Publications
IrvinErickson has authored, coauthored, or contributed to numerous academic publications that address victimisation, violence, criminal justice responses, and the socioemotional impacts of crime. Her recent works cover topics such as the effects of the COVID19 pandemic on domestic violence reporting, identity fraud victimisation and mental distress, and perceptions of institutional protections among diverse student populations. These publications appear in journals including the American Journal of Criminal Justice, Crime Science, Disability and Health Journal, and Journal of International Students.
Examples of Research Contributions
- Analysis of identity fraud victimisation and risk factors.
- Mixedmethods study on pandemic impacts on domestic violence survivors.
- Investigation of international students’ perceptions of Title IX laws.
- Studies on crime patterns and economic impacts of violence.
These projects highlight her commitment to addressing realworld problems through rigorous research.
Impact on Policy and Practice
IrvinErickson’s research has implications for both policy and practice within criminal justice and victim support systems. By generating evidence about risk and protective factors, service needs, and reporting behaviours, her work informs how agencies, service providers, and policymakers can better tailor interventions and support mechanisms. Her studies on domestic violence, for instance, have been used to inform efforts around improving service delivery during crises such as public health emergencies.
Collaborative and Funded Research
Her research has attracted external funding from major agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, reflecting confidence in her ability to lead impactful projects. These funded studies often involve partnerships with other academic institutions, government agencies, and community organisations, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach that bridges research, policy, and practical action.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Beyond academia, IrvinErickson contributes to community awareness and advocacy through public speaking, participation in professional conferences, and involvement in collaborative networks. Her work engages with issues of genderbased violence, economic resilience, and safety, emphasising both research excellence and community relevance. Her involvement in directories and collaborative resources for domestic violence service organisations demonstrates her commitment to improving access to support for victims and survivors.
Yasemin IrvinErickson is a dedicated criminologist whose academic and research career has advanced understanding of victimisation, violence, and justice system responses. From her role as an assistant professor at George Mason University to her leadership in nationally funded research projects, she continues to contribute to evidencebased policy, community support systems, and scholarly discourse on issues that affect vulnerable populations. Through her publications, teaching, and collaborative work, she plays a significant role in shaping how society understands and addresses complex challenges related to crime, victimisation, and social protection.